Idolina "Lena" Vela Sifuentes

Viewing and visitation for Idolina Vela Sifuentes “Lena”, 92 of Lubbock will begin day, April 15, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at Calvillo Funeral Home Chapel with a rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. the same evening. Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April16, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Father Rudi Crasta officiating. Burial will follow at The City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Calvillo Funeral Home & Chapel.

On the evening of Friday, April 10, 2026, Lena went to be with the Lord. She was born on February 14, 1934, in Rio Grande City, Texas to the late Faustino and Sofia Vela. Later in life on July 10, 1961, Lena went on to marry Alberto Sifuentes in Clovis, New Mexico cherishing fifty-two years of a loving marriage before he preceded her in death on October 13, 2013.

Throughout her life, Lena wore many hats with grace and perseverance. She was the proud owner and operator of Lena’s Cafe, where she welcomed guests with the same friendliness that characterized her personality—she never met a stranger. Her entrepreneurial spirit also blossomed through her love of gardening; she joyfully sold house plants at the local Flea Market, bringing life and greenery into the homes and hearts of many. In her later years, she devoted herself to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant at John Knox Village, now known as Carillon, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to service.

Lena’s passions extended beyond her career. A gifted gardener, she found peace and purpose in tending to her plants. Her faith was central to her life, reflected in her active involvement with Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Alongside her husband, she led prayer meetings that nurtured community spirit and spiritual growth. She also generously shared her faith through the Christian Radio Station KLFB and founded "Iglesia En Marcha” program on T.V, touching many lives with her heartfelt presence.

To all who knew her, Lena was more than a mother, grandmother, sister, or friend—she was a beacon of kindness and faith, a woman who touched countless lives with her open heart and unwavering spirit. As we remember her life, we hold close to the warmth she shared, the lives she uplifted, and the legacy of love she leaves behind. Her departure leaves a profound silence, yet her spirit continues to bloom like the garden she so lovingly tended, forever flourishing in our hearts.

She is preceded in death by her husband Alberto Sifuentes; parents Faustino and Sofia Vela; three brothers Conrrado Saenz Vela, Manuel Sanez Vela and Domingo Saenz Vela; three sisters Herlinda Vela Luna, Estanislada Vela Altimirano and Socorro Vela Avalos, two daughters, Rosalba Juarez and Maria Magdalena De La Rosa, one son Alfredo Sifuentes, two grandchildren, Melissa Olvera and Angelica De La Rosa.

She is survived by her son George Sifuentes of Lubbock; a daughter Rita Rodriguez and her husband Javier De Los Santos of Lubbock; a sister Rosa De Lima Franco of Phoenix, Az.; eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church