Jovita Arista

She was born in Requena, Peru. Although she did not complete her formal education, she was self educated. She was the second child in a family of 6 children (one brother and four sisters). At age 16, her father passed away and being the oldest daughter, she began caring for her family. Ten years later, she married and brought 2 children to this world: Nancy and Armando Arista. She was a Godly mother and reared her children to follow in His steps. She enjoyed hosting gatherings for family and friends, was an excellent cook, and was an active member at First Baptist Church, Lima, Peru. Here she worked with toddlers in Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was involved with the Women’s Missionary Union activities. As an evangelical women’s league member, she helped raise funds to build a 32 bed nursing home in Lima. When Armando became a widower in 1983, she helped him raise his 2 year old daughter, until she was age 9. “Mamita” loved and cared for Valeria Arista Vejar, as her own child.

In 1984 she returned to the United States and lived with Armando until he married, Keren Parker. In 1990, she chose to make her home with her daughter Nancy. She became a grandmother for the second time in 1993 when her beloved grandson, Philip Arista, was born. Valeria and her husband, Michael Vejar, became parents of her great-granddaughter, Jenny Jovita Vejar, in November 2011. She was thrilled to have this precious great-granddaughter as her namesake. On the date of her passing, her grandson Philip was awarded the Eagle Scout Rank, and she was pleased with his accomplishment.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Gracy Woods entire personnel for their loving care while she resided there for 8-1/2 years.

A memorial service will be on Friday, June 8, 2012 at 10:00 am at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 3429 Executive Dr Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731.

Memories of Mrs. Arista can be shared with her family by visiting her memorial at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.