Tributes

Adela L. Aguilar, beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt, went to the arms of the Lord on October 6, 2014 at the age of 93 years. Adela was born on August 12, 1921 to Manuel and Antonia Lopez. She was raised on a farm south of San Antonio, attended Asa Mitchell, Buena Vista Elementary Schools and Harlandale High School. Adela was not able to complete her education as the family traveled to Michigan every year as migrant workers. On December, 31, 1939 Adela married Tomas Aguilar and spent nearly 60 years with him until his death in 1999. Tomas Aguilar began a 35 year career with the U.S. Postal Service. Soon after they married, Tomas was called to duty during World War II when he returned from overseas, he and Adela opened a small, mom and pop, grocery store, Stonewall Grocery and Market, on Stonewall St. While Tomas continued working at the Post Office, Adela managed the business and raised four children. They were in business 47 years. In 1995, the business was closed. Stonewall Grocery and Market was a neighborhood store where kids could buy penny candy or cookies. A bottle of soda or bag of chips cost only .05 cents. Also, the store had a meat market where Tomas and Adela prepared excellent cuts of beef. The store was more of a gathering place, where customers from near and far could just stop and visit while they made their purchases. Day in and day out, for 47 years, Adela reported to work, running the business and managing her family at the same time, without fail. Adela was a devout Catholic and insisted that her children get a Catholic education. She and Tomas were able to enroll all their children in Catholic elementary, high school, college and university schools. She had a strong will but always insisted that a good attitude and regard for good relationships with family and friends, no matter the circumstances, be maintained. During Adela's many years of managing the store, she often longed to attend the neighborhood Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Angels. As time permitted, she became an active member of the Church, participating in church ministries such as prayer groups, Sunday services readings, and Sunday donations count. Adela hosted prayer group meeting in her own home and she always looked forward to her turn for the Sunday church readings, as she excelled in reading the Scripture whether in English or Spanish. While at church, Adela reunited with many store customers from the neighborhood, as well as making new lifetime friendships. Adela's family would like to thank all the church staff, ministry members, and parishioners too many to name who knew Adela, for their love and support. A special thanks is given to those friends from the church who continued to visit or call Adela at her home, when she was unable to attend church and activities. Adela was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tomas, infant son Baby Aguilar, daughter Adela Aguilar, son Manuel Aguilar, siblings Adalberto Lopez, Ramiro Lopez, Donaciano Lopez, and Beatrice Lopez Huizar. She is survived by two sons; Tomas Aguilar Jr. and wife Pauline, and Arthur Aguilar; two grandsons, Tomas Aguilar III and his wife Laura, David Aguilar and his wife Angela; two granddaughters, Jennifer and her husband John Guerra, and Bonnie Nicole Aguilar; one great-granddaughter, Victoria Lynn Aguilar. Adela is also survived by her brothers-in-law Adolfo Aguilar Sr., Ernest Aguilar Sr., Henry Huizar Sr.; and sister-in-law, Rosa Lopez Escobedo. She also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. The family appreciates all expressions of condolences and floral tributes; Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Charles Briseno, who was Adela's primary physician for well over 30 years and Dr. Hector Villasenor, Cardiologist, who together, enabled Adela to live a long, and fruitful, life. Thanks also goes to the staff at the Nix Hospital for their services and care throughout the years. Finally, thanks to Harbor Hospice personnel for their assistance during the last year.

Tributes

Adela L. Aguilar

August 12, 1921 - October 6, 2014