Dates
Lupe Velez Urista, 70, was born October 18, 1947 and was called home October 20, 2017. Daughter of Gilbert and Rafaela “Bae” Andros Velez, she was one of five children, born and raised in San Angelo. Lupe graduated from Central High School in 1967 and on July 21, 1973 married the love of her life, Francisco “Frank” Urista, Jr. They had one son, Francisco Javier lll, “Trey” in 1978 whom they loved unconditionally. Lupe retired from being a child care provider, where every morning she would embrace each of them with a big smile and warm hug as they ran towards her calling her “Fifi”. She loved to cook, dance, sew and greatly enjoyed entertaining friends and family, her signature dishes were enchiladas and banana pudding. In 2010 she said she received her greatest gift and that was the arrival of her granddaughter Ariana Joy Urista, who she adored, loved and spoiled immensely. Lupe will be remembered as a fierce, strong, compassionate, funny, defiant, admirable, giving and most of all, loving to all who knew her. She was a dedicated wife, nurturing mother, and a one of a kind “Nana”.
Lupe is preceded in death by her husband Frank, parents Gilbert and Bae, sister in law Cecilia Urista, brother in law Joe Urista, and nephew Adrian Velez. She leaves behind her son Trey and his wife Angela, granddaughter Ariana and her siblings, Gilbert Velez Jr and wife Irene, Henry Velez, Dee Urquidez and husband Joe, all of San Angelo and Cindy Velez of Pecos. She is also survived by her loving cousin Zelma Lagunas, stepmother Elida Velez and stepsiblings, Rickie Zuniga and Roland Garcia and her extended family, Fernando Urista and wife Rose of Abilene, Adrian Urista and wife Diane of San Antonio, Clementine Urista and Maria “Coco” Roberts of San Angelo. She had several nieces and nephews and a special great niece and great nephews, Audrey, Rowan and Josiah Urquidez who loved their Tita very much and brought her great happiness. Special friend Frank Del Rio and his family, who loved Lupe as their own, cherish her memory.
Carrying Lupe to her final resting place will be her adored son, Trey Urista, cherished nephew Nicolas Urquidez, nephews Gilbert Velez lll and Adrian Velez ll, cousin John Fuentes and brother Roland Garcia. Honorary pall bearers are Joe Urquidez, Fernando Urista, Joe Cantu, Frank Alejandro, Richard Paul Rivas, Tom Lagunas, Frank Del Rio and Nate Nelson. The family would like to thank those who have cared for their mom, nana and sister Lupe. We especially thank Norma DeLaRosa, Annette Lee, Olga Briones, Kevin Kelley and the staff of Cedar Manor.
Rosary will be recited on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 7 pm at Harper Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 27, 2017 at 10 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Burial following at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.