Orpah Frances Villegas Banfelder aka Mom aka Oma, age 84, received her angel wings on Thursday, May 16, 2019. She is survived by her husband Erich of 51 years who had bet her he would be the first to go. By her death, mom made sure she left this earth with a perfect winning record and the final word. Mom is further survived by her only child, Erika Banfelder, son-in-law James Sweitzer, and granddaughters Abigail and Stefani. As the oldest of 12, mom leaves behind so many who loved her and looked up to her including her brothers Dario Villegas, Daniel Villegas and Saul Villegas; her sisters Lucia Benkert, Elizabeth Harper Riggsby, Rachel De La Fuente, Rebecca Garza and Sarah De La Luna. She was preceded in death and now reunited with her parents Doroteo and Francisca (Coronado) Villegas, and brothers Doroteo Villegas, Samuel Villegas and Miqueas Villegas.
She was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. Shortly after graduating from high school she moved to Houston, Texas for work. A few years later she relocated to Miami, Florida where she met dad, got married, had me, and resided for the next 32 years. She and dad then moved to Naples, Florida where they lived about five years before relocating to Sarasota, Florida in 1999. From 1999 until 2015 she and dad also lived in Schonau a.d. Brend, Germany for about six months of the year.
According to dad, that’s all we need to say and mom would likely agree but since I don’t always do as I am told I am sharing more about the amazing woman I am privileged to call mom. She loved to travel and saw most of Europe over the years, visiting countless churches to admire the architecture, artwork and to light a candle and pray. She also took great pride in her gardening which usually resulted in large delicious crops of tomatoes, zucchini, peas, and carrots which were often shared with neighbors and friends. She was also gifted in the kitchen, able to make everything from tamales to sourdough bread, from scratch. She prepared every meal with love and insisted a meal wasn’t complete unless it had a protein, vegetable and starch, which always resulted in a lot of leftovers and arguments about why she cooked so much. However, her greatest joy by far was spoiling her immediate family, most especially her two granddaughters for whom she made it a point to always have chocolate and gummy bears.
Mom was selfless in her caring for everyone else and hated any recognition for her actions saying simply that “It’s what I am here for” or “I’m just doing my job.” During my high school years there were few students who didn’t know mom since she was always at the school doing something and never missed a Friday night football game. During my college years her presence was best known as the grocery/laundry/beer delivery service. And if any of my friends couldn’t get home for a holiday, our door was always open and she did her best to make everyone feel like they were with family.
Our family has been so comforted during these past few days reading the numerous memories shared of mom from near and far; it brings such peace and joy knowing that she is remembered by so many. Mom had tiny feet but the shoes she left behind are enormous so when you see us with black eyes and skinned knees just know it’s because we’re still tripping in her shoes.
Mom, you are loved and missed beyond words but may you finally rest in peace.
At mom’s request there will be no service. In her memory, get together with friends and family, drink some wine (she loved visiting Lake Garda and had a fondness for Bardolino wine), share memories and laugh!!! And when you are able to, just do something selfless in her honor.
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