VICENTE CRUZ VARELA

VICENTE CRUZ VARELA MAY 3 1932 - SEPTEMBER 8, 2013 Native son of Pecos, New Mexico, left this earth to receive his heavenly reward in the early hours of Sunday, September 8, 2013. Vicente was born May 3, 1932 in the vicinity of Pecos, New Mexico and lived at the family home in the Pecos, New Mexico area until approximately 1983 when he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to live with his niece and her husband, Theresa and Rudy Varela. He lived with them until an illness in February 2013 required extended hospitalization. Vicente lived life simply and joyfully radiating happiness to all members of his large extended family. He had an extraordinary ability to remember family birthdays and made sure to call family members to serenade us with birthday wishes. He was a member of the Saint Anthony's Church choir in Pecos for many years and delighted both the choir and parishioners with his command of both Spanish and English hymns and his enthusiasm for the music. He participated in West Mesa Senior Center activities for many years and made numerous friends. Vicente was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Barbarita Varela; his brothers Antonio Varela and Manuel Varela; and sisters Eloisa Varela and Luisa Vigil. He is survived by his very special niece Theresa and her husband Rudy Varela and their children Maury Varela (Roseanne), Warren Varela (Bernadette), Amanda "Mandy" Keehart (John), Renee Varela-Karnes, goddaughter Josie De la Cruz and godson Ray Velasquez. He is also survived by his sister, Delfina Garcia, his brother Frank Varela his sisters-in-law Ruby Varela and Grace Varela. He is survived by numerous loving nephews, grand nephews, nieces and grand nieces; all of whom will miss their Tio tremendously. Visitation will take place at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Pecos New Mexico from 6:45 to 7:30pm on Thursday, September 12, with a Rosary to follow at the Church from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Vincent Dominguez starting at 10:00am Friday September 13th. Interment will follow at the St Anthony's Parish Cemetery immediately after the Mass. Pallbearers will be Maury Varela, Warren Varela, John Keehart, Jerry Varela, Florencio Varela, Adrian Vigil, Benny Garcia and Ray Velasquez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Paulyne Varela, MaryHelen Biles, Linda Archuleta and Melinda Roybal. Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Phone: (505)989-7032 Fax: (505)820-0435 santafefuneraloption.com