Ophelia Vela

OPHELIA VELA (nee Cortez), 94, beloved wife of 60 years of the late John J. Vela, passed away peacefully Friday morning, April 8, 2022 surrounded by family. Ophelia was born April 22, 1927 to the late Ynocencio and Prudencia Cortez in Cleveland, OH.

Ophelia valued her family above all else; therefore, she was instrumental in bringing her family to the United States so that they could have a better life. She loved cooking, sewing and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her most prized possession was her family. She would light up and become exuberant with pride whenever she would speak about her family and all their accomplishments. Hard work and education were instilled in all her children and grandchildren so that anything they set their minds to could be achieved with great determination. Ophelia's legacy is her family who will continue in the same mind set that "Family Is Everything."

She was loving mother to Dr. John (Maureen), Richard, Yvonne Zalewski (Jim), Dr. Rudolph (Karen), Ronald (Luella), Robert, Patricia McCormick (Todd), Judy Benedict (Mark), Jeanette Murray (Dean) and Cyndi Martinelli (Chris); dear grandmother of Christina (Bart), Lydia, Theresa (Melissa), Lisa, Rachel (Davis), Caitlin, Ryan, Jay (Brittany), Megan, Alex, Robby, Kelsi, Jake, Joshua, Kyle, Dylan (Jess), Jenny, Andrew, Anthony, Tommy, Zachery, Mikey, Joey and Johnny; great grandmother of Carina (deceased), Lucy, John, Xavier, Imogen, Julian, Theodore and Kennedy; oldest sister of Alvaro (Guadalupe, both deceased), Margarita (Antonio, deceased), Maria (Jesus, deceased) and the late Antonio (Maria).

Memorial contributions may be forwarded to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110 USA

Friends may visit at the Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Rd, Avon, Friday, April 29, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2640 Stoney Ridge Rd, Avon, April 30, 2022 at 10am. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. www.buschcares.com 440-937-6175

To view a video of Ophelia's Mass please visit https://my.gather.app/remember/ophelia-vela