Ofelia V. Perales

She was the daughter to Josefa Garcia and Anacleto Valdes.

Ofelia grew up in Agujita, a small mining town in the northern state of Coahuila. She attended elementary, secondary and commercial schools and later worked at a bank. She was actively involved in the town’s social scene and was a beloved and popular member of the community. Ofelia loved and cherished the life in Agujita, particularly her friends and the town's ambiance. Also, the night sky, according to Ofelia “was always full of bright stars”. She migrated to the United States in 1952.

Ofelia was structured and methodical in her daily life, she was practicing mindfulness before this concept was widely accepted. Early in her life she recognized the importance of staying grounded and in the moment, this served her well throughout her life. For example, regardless of events or issues around her, she was always able to sleep soundly. Same with her meals, in her eyes these were events to be enjoyed, slowly savoring the food without rush, without interruptions.

Ofelia represented the very best in the human spirit, always positive, kind and encouraging; each encounter with others was an opportunity for her to smile, give a compliment and/or provide some uplifting message - of course the recipients would never forget Ofelia - how could they?

Upon arriving in the United States at age 21, Ofelia embraced the challenge of the new culture and language. She adjusted quickly and was soon hired by an exporting company needing employees fluent in Spanish. She had several jobs in that sector and eventually was hired at the State Department of Human Services as a social worker. To enhance her language skills and obtain the necessary certification, she attended two years of college. She loved her job of dealing with people and their needs, helping them with medical assistance, food stamps, and so many other things. When she retired in 1992 after a long beautiful career as a social worker for 30 years, her supervisor and her 11 coworkers took her to the main office in the State Capital, where the Human Resources Commissioner honored her with thanks from the United States department.

However, this is only half of the story, Ofelia was also an accomplished businesswoman and a gifted individual with a warm and engaging personality. Her dedication, hard work, and positive disposition consistently made interactions with her, a pleasure. These attributes propelled her to succeed not only in her personal life but also in her business and professional relationships.

Besides her career with the state of Texas, Ofelia managed her own residential real estate business, overseeing the buying, selling or renting of properties. In addition, her exceptional sales skills and remarkable personality earned her recognition for her outstanding performance. Had she desired, this could have been a full-time career. She also attended Saint Mary’s University for night classes to learn the income tax laws while working full time at the State Department of Human Services. She opened her income tax office in her home after 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm after working at the state offices. She was a notary public and completed transfers of automobiles in her office at home after 5pm and weekends.

After retirement, she spent most of her time with her son and her three grand-daughters who she adored: Carl, Tuesday, Sharlay and Cheyenne. It was her greatest pleasure to share her life with all of them.

She was deeply devoted to them and would go to great lengths to support them. In the last two years she was blessed with two great-grandchildren: Seven Xander and Owen, completing her journey in this world and going to heaven peacefully.

Ofelia’s memory will forever live in her son Carl Keeler, her grandchildren Tuesday Keeler, Sharlay Keeler, Cheyenne Keeler, great-grandchildren Seven Xander Garza and Owen Clements, Siblings Reynaldo Valdes, Margie Valdes, Osvaldo Valdes and Juan Jaime Valdes; she will also be remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

A Rosary will take place on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 9:30 am at St. Luke’s Catholic Church followed by a Mass at 10:00 am, at 4603 Manitou Dr. San Antonio, Texas. Interment along with eulogies and speeches will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas around 11:30 am.