Shirley Arata Vella

Shirley Arata Vella, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2022. Shirley was born to David Frank Arata, Sr. and Lea Etta Schreiner Arata on July 15, 1933 in Mobile, Alabama. She attended St. Mary’s grade school, where she received the honor of being Queen of the Carnation. Shirley went on to graduate from Bishop-Toolen High School, Class of 1951. She was a godly woman, and enjoyed saying the rosary with her parish rosary group every week. Shirley also enjoyed her monthly luncheon with the Loyola Club at St. Ignatius. She was a past-president of the Ravine Woods Garden Club, and was an avid gardener throughout most of her life. Later in life, Shirley took a job at a Private Collection jewelry store.

Shirley’s heart always remained with her family. She enjoyed being a homemaker, and never missed any of her children’s sporting events – she especially enjoyed spending time with her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She was an amazing woman, and will be greatly missed.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John Francis Vella, Sr.; parents; daughter, Susan Lynn Vella; son, David Randall Vella; brother, David Frank Arata, Jr.; and sister, Charlene Arata Stokes.

She is survived by her children, John Francis Vella, Jr., Vickie Vella Murray (Johnny), Ann Vella Fonde (Chip), and C. Christopher Vella; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister, Marylea Arata Rohling (Albert); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

A rosary will be said on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 9:15 until 9:30 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mobile, with a visitation immediately following.

A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ignatius will begin at 10:30, with interment following in Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile.