Ofelia “Fela” Fonseca
Fonseca, 78
Ofelia “Fela” Fonseca, 78, of San Antonio, died on January 15, 2022. She was born in 1943 in Cotulla to Presciliano Morin and Ofelia Adams Morin.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband José Fonseca, and siblings Francisca Salinas, Antoñia Ruiz, Santana Morin, Leopoldo Morin, and Catarina Hernandez.
Ofelia is survived by children and their spouses, Joseph and Blanca, Rosemary and Robert, her sister Sylvia, grandson Nathan and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A small, private family viewing will be held Saturday, January 29 at 10 a.m. A link will be provided in order that others may view the service online.
The daughter of migrant field laborers, Fela spent her school years alongside her family following opportunities for work from state to state. In addition to her faith, she adhered to the many “dichos” (sayings) she learned early in life. Among her favorites were: Querer es poder (Will is power), Si se puede (Yes, you can) and El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz (Respect for the rights of others is peace).
After many years of working as an aide in the Dilley Independent School District, Fela pursued a college education beginning by commuting to Southwest Texas Junior College after work, before eventually leaving her full-time job to earn her Associate’s degree from Laredo Junior College and her Bachelor’s degree in education from Laredo State University in 1990. Upon her graduation, she returned to Dilley ISD to begin her career as a professional educator. She then moved to San Antonio and continued her teaching career at South San Antonio ISD where she worked for more than 20 years. During that time, she completed her graduate studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio earning her Master’s degree in bilingual bicultural studies in 1997. She retired in 2013, after serving as both a mentor and a guide to students and teachers.
After retiring from teaching, Fela immediately stepped into her second career as full-time caregiver for her husband, Joe.
Anyone wishing to sign the online guest book, share memories or leave condolences can do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home, Pearsall.
