Adela De Luna

There are no greater occupations, no prouder achievements, and no higher earthly calling, than simply being known as "Mother." It is mother who cares for us, nurtures us, and above all else, loves us. Adela De Luna was a wonderful woman, a beloved daughter, sister, wife and friend. But more than anything, she was a proud and loving mother, who devoted her whole life to her family.

Adela's story began on a warm spring day in 1929, in the little town of Edna, Texas, just off the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The terrible storm of the Great Depression began in the fall of 1929, yet that spring was a good one for many Americans, truly the calm before the storm. It was an especially good time for Lorenzo and Carmen (Lopez) Hererra, who celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl on March 10, a daughter they named Adela.

Adela was raised in Edna, where she learned first hand the importance of family. She grew into a beautiful young woman, and one day fell in love with a handsome young man named Aurelio De Luna. Before they knew it, they were married. The newlyweds honeymooned in the charming town of Holland, Michigan, where Adela's parents had moved, and the couple fell in love with the beachfront town.

Soon her new husband was called into the service during World War II. Adela would later move to Corpus Christi, Texas, and then San Antonio for a time. When Aurelio, returned home from the war, the family began to grow.

Over the coming years Adela and Aurelio were blessed with seven beautiful children; Aurelio Jr., Ricardo, Felipe, Stella, Camelia, Delia, and Fernando, who filled their lives with pride and joy. The family moved north to Holland in 1966, where they would remain the rest of their lives, and form so many wonderful memories together.

Adela suffered the deaths of her son Ricardo in 1992, her son Aurelio Jr. in 1996, and her beloved husband in 1999, which weighed so heavy on her heart, as did the death of her granddaughter, Tracey. She persevered by bonding closer with her large and loving family, who meant everything to her.

Sadly, Adela died Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at her home at the age of 78.

Adela was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of love, faith and most of all, family. She was a beloved wife, sister and friend, but more than anything, she was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose legacy lives on in her wonderful family today. She will be greatly missed.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Aurelio De Luna, Sr., in 1999; 2 sons, Aurelio De Luna, Jr. in 1996, and Ricardo De Luna, in 1992; and a granddaughter, Tracey De Luna.

Surviving are her children, Felipe De Luna, of El Campo, Texas, Stella Mendoza, of Holland, Camelia De Luna, of Holland, Delia De Luna, of Holland, and Fernando and Carol De Luna, of Indiana; 14 Grandchildren; 31 Great Grandchildren; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, 2 PM at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd Street, Holland. Officiating will be the Rev. William Brownson. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, from 1 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

Please visit her Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo, or to sign the online guestbook.