Maria Blasa Vela

Maria Blasa Vela of Holland, Michigan, formerly of Saginaw

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, April 16, 2021, in Holland, Michigan. She was 81 years old. Maria Blasa Silvas was born on February 3, 1940, in Weslaco, Texas, to the late Esteban and Cleta (Ruiz) Silvas. During the 1970’s, Maria began selling Sarah Coventry Jewelry and through this endeavor, she taught herself English. She was a longtime and faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and with a servant’s heart, Maria actively volunteered her time to various ministries, including the promotion of the Catholic Faith through Las Damas de Guadalupe. She dedicated her life to service unto others and selflessly volunteered throughout the community and also served as president of La Union Civica. A caretaker her entire life, Maria loved and cherished her family above all, but embraced all people with grace, compassion, and an altruistic heart. She will forever be remembered for her love of music, beautiful laughter, and for teaching her family the value of hard work.

Surviving are two daughters and two sons: Elena DeLeon of Grand Rapids; Anita Sandoval-Leal of Holland; Arturo (Alice) DeLeon of Holland; Esteban (Jacqueline) DeLeon of Las Vegas; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; three sisters and three brothers: Guadalupe (Maria) Silvas, Antonia Silvas, Juanita Cantu, Pedro Silvas, Carmelita (Gabriel) Hernandez, Esteban (Frances) Silvas Jr.; and an uncle, Juan Garcia. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by a son, Renato DeLeon Jr., grandson, Ricardo Barron; brother, Jose Silvas.

A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave. Rev. Fr. Thai Nguyen will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 5700 Dixie Highway on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends can gather in the Parish Hall on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services ordinance, face coverings are required, visitation is limited to 25 people at a time, and social distancing encouraged. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.