Emma Saenz Vela was welcomed into the gates of Paradise on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at her residence in Falfurrias, Texas surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 7, 1945 to Domingo Saenz and Santos Garza Saenz in the La Gloria area in Brooks County, Texas and was one of 15 children. Emma married the love of her life, Rodolfo Smithwick Vela, Jr. more than 50 years ago and together they raised four children.
Emma was a devoted Certified Nurse’s Assistant and dedicated herself to her patients, staying with them until their final days. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Falfurrias. As a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she was more than any of them could have ever asked for.
She was reunited in Heaven with her parents; two grandsons, Kaleb Flores and Eliseo Perez, Jr. and several of her siblings.
Emma leaves behind to cherish her memories her husband, Rodolfo S. Vela, Jr. of Falfurrias; two sons, Baldemar (Ida) Perez of Kingsville, Texas and Joe (Brenda Alaniz) Perez of Falfurrias; two daughters, Iris (Roy) Carrera of Premont, Texas and Pearl (David, Jr.) Flores of Corpus Christi, Texas; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren with one on the way and many siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Pallbearers will be Baldemar Perez, Joe Perez, Royce Carrera, David Flores, Jr., Roy Carrera, Danny Perez, and Joe Perez, Jr.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Services will conclude with Burial at the Falfurrias Burial Park.
