It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Zaragoza V. Vela of Mission, TX — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
There are losses that teach us the weight of a life.
Zaragoza Vela of Mission, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Mr. Vela was born in Dr. Coss, N.L., Mexico on August 5, 1939. He is preceded in death by his wife; Petra Vela and his parents; Jose Vela and Rita Villarreal. Zaragoza Vela is survived by his 10 children; Jesus Gerardo Vela (Leticia), Maria De La Luz Vela (Fernando), Martin Vela (Orfelinda), Leonor Vela (Joel), Maribel Vela (Guadalupe), Jose Francisco Vela (Sandra), Norma Elena Vela (Pablo), Alma Rita Vela (Juan), Zaragoza Vela Jr. (Ana) and Norberto Vela. Also left to cherish his memory, 31 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Family and friends will gather for a visitation on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 4:00 -9:00 PM and a rosary reciting at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mission, Texas, followed by a burial at The Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview, Texas. Virgil Wilson of Mission, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
