Idelisa Aguayo-Noriega

Idelisa Aguayo-Noriega came into this world on January 19, 1974 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Born with mental retardation and autism, she was a special gift entrusted to her parents, Rafael Jose Aguayo-Allende and Angela Noriega. Idelisa was a middle child with two sisters that adored her; Vilma Rosa Aguayo-Gaona and Yolanda Consuelo Aguayo. Yet, despite being born with an intellectual disability and being non-verbal, Idelisa was not defined by these things. She was her own person; a person that experienced a life that was full and loving.

Idelisa grew up in San Antonio, Texas and attended the Children’s Learning Center. As a child, she learned how to ride a bike and enjoyed listening to music and dancing. During her youth, she had various job experiences such as stocking items at Ace Mart Restaurant Supply, sorting thread at the Levi Strauss Factory and folding towels at the Rodeway Inn. She even got to do fun things like ride horses and go canoeing and camping. As an adult, she spent much of her time at Mission Road Developmental Center where she made many wonderful friends and memories.

Idelisa lived with her family and enjoyed her role as the pampered princess of the house. She was a girlie-girl who enjoyed wearing pretty clothes and colorful jewelry. She was blessed with a great appetite as she rarely met a food she didn’t like. She enjoyed long car rides so that she could observe the world from her vantage point and passed the time by looking at pictures and glossy magazines while power lounging on her couch. She had the most beautiful, expressive hazel eyes that sparkled when she was happy and, when she looked at you, you always knew where you stood with her. She was simply beautiful in every sense.

Idelisa passed away on July 31st, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. Even during the bad days, she was a blessing to her family and when she smiled or laughed, it made it all worthwhile. She was a special person who left a deep and enduring impact on her family and friends and we will mourn her loss greatly.

Idelisa is survived by her mother, Angela, her sisters, Vilma and Yolanda, her nephew, Holden Aguayo-Pardo and her brother-in-law, David E. Gaona.

The family will receive friends Monday, August 10, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with a rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4411 Moana, San Antonio, TX 78218 with Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.