Sulema B. Vielma

“A Woman Beyond Compare--Sulema B. Vielma” Sulema Benavides Vielma, age 76, joined our Heavenly Father on Sunday August 15, 2010. As she left, she was surrounded by loving and devoted family and friends. She is finally resting and pain free as she enjoys eternal life. She was a woman of great wisdom, strength and love. Her faith, family and friends were her foundations. She was born in Marlin, Texas as the 13th child of Emilio and Sulema Benavides. She graduated from Waco High and moved to Houston where she worked for the police department. In 1963, she married Raymond E. Vielma. The couple moved to Dallas and raised their four loving children, Thomas, Tina, Carlos and John Paul. Sulema was a devoted mother who gave unconditional love to her children. She joined them at William Lipscomb Elementary school where she worked as a teacher’s assistant for 25 years. She served as mentor and teacher to many and was awarded a lifetime PTA membership for her tireless volunteer work. Graduates from Woodrow Wilson High School often honored her as the "Most Influential Person in their Life." Even after retirement she continued to be an inspiration and role model to many.Throughout her life, Sulema was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Cathedral de Guadalupe Catholic Church where she served as a catechist for almost 30 years. She was a great example of how to follow Jesus by having a positive attitude, kind words and a loving heart. Her faith kept her strong in her 40 year battle with breast cancer. Through the efforts and excellent care she received at Sammons Cancer Center, she was able to enjoy the birth and childhood of her 10 grandchildren. We personally would like to thank Dr. Joanne Blum and the outstanding staff at Sammons Center whom mom came to know and love as family. Sulema always had open arms and an open home as she welcomed many to live with her during their times of need. In this manner she became an "adopted mom" to many. Sulema never met a stranger and often befriended many who were in most need of a friend. She, in turn, was blessed with wonderful and lifelong friendships of incredibly strong women who were beside her throughout her journey. We especially would like to thank her niece Beatrice Benavides from Austin who came to care for her for extended periods during her most difficult times. Words cannot express the family's gratitundying dedication, care and support of our mother. "Aunt Bea" is our angel sent from above.Sulema is survived by Raymond E. Vielma, her brothers Louis Benavides (wife Micaela) and Flavio Benavides Ortiz (wife Patsy), sisters Sarah Uriegas, Gloria Arellano, Maria Riojas (husband Frank) and sister in laws, Mary Chefchis, Fern Vielma, Maria Benavides and Virginia Benavides. She is also survived by her four children, Dr. Thomas Vielma and wife, Rosalind; Carlos Vielma, John Paul Vielma and wife Sue, and daughter Dr.Tina Vielma and husband Dr. Philip Morales, daughter in laws, Michelle Vielma Perez and and Anita Taylor. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Celeste, Christa, Christian, Cameron, Jessica and Jackson Vielma and Sarah, Samuel, Jacob and Emma Morales. She is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.A rosary/memorial will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Northwest Hwy. Chapel on Friday evening at 7:30 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Sat. Aug.21, 2010 at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, 2215 Ross Ave., Dallas, Texas 75201 at 9am. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to www.komen.org in memory of Sulema Vielma.ude for her