Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Angela passed peacefully on Thursday, September 23, 2021, after unexpectedly being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in early July.
She is survived by her parents Alfredo N. Vela III and Mary Ann Patterson Vela; sister Madeline Vela Dvorocsik, brother-in-law Andrew Dvorocsik, nephew Gregory Dvorocsik and niece Theresa Dvorocsik; and sister Elisa Vela Ferguson, brother-in-law Thomas Ferguson, and nieces Tracy and Mariana Ferguson. Angela had moved to Florida in June, excited to transfer to Miami, where she would be close to her sister Elisa and goddaughter Mariana.
Angela cheerfully relished supporting her nieces and nephew, attending their many musical, acting and sports activities over the years. She was a rabid sports fan, closely following her Houston Astros and the University of Houston Cougars.
Born in Rockledge, Florida, January 20, 1966, her journey through life due primarily to her father’s work took her to many domestic and international places, moving to over a dozen locations.
Angela graduated from Palmetto Senior High School in Miami, Florida, and from Florida Atlantic University. A tireless worker, she dedicated much of her life to helping others, beginning in a career in foster care and managing Goodwill outlets in Florida, North Carolina and Texas.
She changed career paths to merchandising and particularly enjoyed working in bookstores, which enhanced her insatiable appetite for reading diverse genres of literature and amassing an intriguing collection of books.
A devout Catholic, Angela became a Eucharistic Minister and taught CCD to 5th grade students. Angela’s vivacious personality and her hearty and unrestrained laugh will be terribly missed by family and friends. May she rest in peace in God’s loving hands.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Angela’s name at their donation site: GiveNow.LLS.Org
Arrangements for Angela Vela Cox Celebration
During this time of great sadness and sorrow over the loss of our beloved daughter Angela, please accept our heartfelt and profound appreciation for the love and support received from family and friends.
We will be celebrating Angela’s life on Saturday, October 30, 2021, with a Mass at 10am, followed by the inurnment at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston, TX. We are most grateful to the many who have expressed a desire to join this occasion of remembrance for Angela.
In consideration of potential risks associated with Covid and travel, arrangements have also been made to stream the celebration Mass via the internet by accessing the Brookside Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BrooksideLauder/ for spiritual participation.
Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039
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