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Valerie Vela Obituary
After graduating from William J. Palmer High School in Colorado Springs in 1981, Valerie went on to complete her degree in biology from The Colorado College. While a student at CC, Val cherished time spent with her sorority sisters in Gamma Phi Beta, cheering on the Tigers in hockey, and singing with the performance choir at Shove Chapel, three pastimes that would continue throughout her lifetime.
Although Valerie continued her studies in the biological sciences by completing her certification in Medical Technology, a field in which she worked and later taught, her past ten years as Coordinator of Campus Ministry and Director of Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs brought her the greatest fulfillment as a career. Times spent with "her kids",--sharing at weekly coffee hours on two campuses, leading pilgrimages to Italy, regularly preparing and serving home-cooked meals, celebrating Sunday night Mass at Shove Chapel, or participating at World Youth Day events in Germany, Australia, and Spain--consumed most of her waking hours. The young men and women were such a part of her life that her daughter, Viktoria, thought of them as her older siblings. Valerie was their leader, mentor, confidante, and friend.
Valerie was a deep thinker! She loved conversations that challenged herself and others and was never hesitant to address an issue of injustice. To attend a lecture or concert and be mentally stimulated were her goals in life. Beautiful use of language and a sophisticated vocabulary touched her soul. And yet, her sense of humor and pleasure in silliness (and a bit of naughtiness) were always just a blink away, ready to surface!
Valerie is survived by her daughter, Viktoria Klassen, the light of her life, two step-daughters, Erika Klassen and Tina (John) Mayne and their children, Zakary, Isabel, and Jayme of Colorado Springs, her brother, Steve (Lin), nephews, Alexander and Cameron, of Woodland Park, her mother, Julie, and step-father, Richard Logue, of Colorado Springs, as well as dearly-loved aunts, uncles and cousins. Although she was preceded in death by her father, Jose, she remained closely connected with his family through her great aunt, Carlota Vela, who was her model for love of family and perseverance in following her faith.
A Rosary and Memory Sharing is scheduled at Shove Memorial Chapel, 1010 N. Nevada, on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at 6:00 P.M. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Cathedral, 22 W. Kiowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Campus Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs, 228 N. Cascade, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Valerie Vela
Scott and Dena Isgar
May 11, 2014
We first met Val in Germany in 1988. We were perfect strangers for about 5 minutes. She welcomed us into her home and were friends from then on.
David Martinez
May 8, 2014
My sincere condolences to Val. I knew her through the St Mary's youth group long ago in the 70s. I pray that her family and all that love and cherish Val are comforted by God and by her love of God.
Sadly, I was notified of her death and was greatly saddened. I'm sure God is holding her in his arms as the comments witness to your beauty .
Nicole, icu RN
May 5, 2014
Although Val never new me, I knew her, as one of her nurses. She fought a courageous fight indeed.
To her family and friends, you were all such an amazing support for her and each other. I will always remember the way she used sign language to communicate when she couldn't speak. I thought it was amazing.
God bless you all. I'm so sorry.
Casey Elkins
May 5, 2014
Valerie was a wonderful human being and she really made me feel welcome during my time at CC. It didn't matter to her that I wasn't a practicing Catholic, she invited me into her beautiful CC family anyways. Her death came a shock to me, as I hadn't heard about the stroke. She led an inspiring life and the world is a better place because of her time here.
May 5, 2014
Our love and prayers are sent to you at this time! My the Lord hold your hearts close and comfort you all! We all loved Val on the 8th floor and she will be forever missed! May that blueberry muffin heal now! lots of love!
David "Slimdog" Bell Jr.
May 5, 2014
My condolences to the Vela family. I knew Valerie from the days at CC and through her brother Steve. She was always a kind spirit and will be missed by so many in the community. Her spirit will always be with those she loved and cared for. Rest In Peace Valerie.
Phillip, Kiley and Eleanor Jones
May 4, 2014
Val was truly an inspiration to all of us in her college ministry group. We appreciate everything she did for us. We only hope that we can carry on her ministry in our lives and be as faithful as she always was. We love you Val.
May 4, 2014
Dear Julie:
I was so shocked to read of Valerie's death in today's paper. I can remember her as a vibrant young woman as she was getting ready to attend CC and then had to deal with the diabetes diagnosis.
Our love and prayers go out to you and your family at this sad and difficult time.
Love,
Lynne and Phil Lane (you and Joe knew me as Lynne Kemp when I was married to Bob)
246 Luxury Lane, CS, Co 80921
Dena Isgar
May 4, 2014
Words cannot express the sadness we feel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Scott, Dena, Baleigh and Garrett
charlie huebner
May 4, 2014
Julie, Dick and the Vela and Logue families, are thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, The Huebner and Doyle families
Linda Hendricks Carroll
May 4, 2014
Viktoria, Steve, and family,
I was a friend of Val's at Stratton but kept in contact with her through high school. My heart is so very sad for you all! I am so sorry for your loss. I know she is now healed and with the Lord. How wonderful!
May 3, 2014
Julie and family--words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. No mother should have to bury their child no matter the age. My prayers are with you my dear. Mary Cathryn Haller
Felix A. Abeyta
May 3, 2014
Victoria, Julie, Richard, Steve and all the wonderful family that Valerie shared her precious time with, please accept my heartfelt and most sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one, Val, and one of my oldest and dearest friends. Val and I go way back to the 4th grade and we shared many fond memories growing up together at St. Mary's and in the youth group. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with her over the last couple of years and she will be dearly missed. Val keep us in your prayers as we keep you in ours. Send us a smile from time to time and welcome home. Felix A. Abeyta
David Gooley
May 2, 2014
Though her light is no longer visible to our eyes, it shall always guide us through dark times. It will bring us comfort in the storms of life. It will be the beacon to guide us to heaven when our faith hits rough waters.
The entire Gooley family will be there however we can. We love you Julie, Viktoria, Steve, Erika and family
Margit Bergquist-Tracey
May 2, 2014
Viktoria, Julie and family and friends of Val, A wonderful woman, mother, daughter and friend and family memeber is gone, but what she gave each of us remains. That is her legacy; she touched so many. Her faith was unwavering and her love unending. I am so honored to have known her and worked with her in Germany. I was amazed when I visited her in CO Springs and saw her in action with "her kids". Thankfully our friendship continued long after we left Gelnhausen.
Frances Kirkland
May 2, 2014
I worked with Val in Jesup, Georgia and we became good friends. My daughter babysat Viktoria when they lived in Hinesville. She was a bright and shining star then and now when we look at the heavens at night we will see another sparkling diamond that God has blessed us with, forever watching over her loved ones.
Anna-Marie Wright
May 2, 2014
Julie, Viktoria and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you all now and in the days ahead.
Val was a true friend, and I will miss her dearly. I am so thankful that she was part of my life, and I will always cherish the wonderful memories that we made together, especially our conversations, late night phone calls, and the laughter that we shared.
I love you, Val! Your smile will be missed, but my heart will forever remember the caring and supportive friendship that blessed my life. Rest in peace my friend.
Cindee Case
May 2, 2014
My prayers are with all of Valerie's family, friends and students.
Eternal rest grant unto her, Oh Lord.
Bill Howard
May 2, 2014
Valerie was a beautiful, fun soul who loved the young adults she worked with. It was a gift to collaborate with her at the diocese.
Kendra Swigert
May 2, 2014
You will also be one of my best friend on earth and now in heaven. Say hi to your dad and mine
Agnes Foxworthy
May 2, 2014
Dear Julie, Viktoria and family,
please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother, daughter and family member. I worked with Valerie at the diocese and shared some really good talks with her. I will miss her, but know that she is better now. Love,
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