Elida "Velco" (Soliz) Santana

Elida “Velco” Estela Soliz Santana passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on January 6, 2025. Born on December 25, 1936, Elida, also affectionally known as “Velco”, mom, “Wela”, and grandma, was a beacon of joy and love throughout her 88 years, leaving this world as she entered it, in her beloved hometown of Alice, Texas.

Elida is preceded in death by her parents, Hejinio and Amalia Soliz; her children, Juan Ramon (Margarita) Cantu, Juan Antonio Hernandez, Daniel Ramirez, and Amalia Pulido; and her siblings, Johnny Soliz, Isabel Soliz, Maria Rios, Santos Soliz, Eloy Soliz, Demetrio Soliz, Alicia Rosas, Eustolia Estrada, and Idolina Alonzo.

Left to cherish Velco’s memories are her loving husband of 55 years, Francisco Santana; her children, Martin (Zulema) Cantu, Enrique Lopez, Jr., Frank (Rita) Santana, and Elida (Omar) Cantu. Elida's legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren, Maria Kilcrease, Raymundo Cantu, Krystal Rios, Carmen Treviño, Martin Cantu, Jr., Jennifer Cantu, Alexandra Pulido, Ashley M. Mandel, Andres Santana, Omar Rene Cantu, Amalia Renee Acero, Orlando "Orly" Cantu, Enrique "Ricky" Lopez III, Erika Lopez, Brandy Hernandez; fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild. She also leaves behind her lifetime best friend, Ofelia Martinez, her furry companion, Ruby, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Professionally, Velco was a dedicated home health provider known for her caring, loving, and attentive nature with her patients. She was a woman of many interests with a passion for Tejano and Mariachi music, dancing, and games like bingo and chalupa. Her culinary skills were unmatched, known especially for her homemade tortillas and an array of fried foods, with her fried chicken being a family favorite.

Velco's home was a reflection of her meticulous nature; her housekeeping skills were immaculate and she insisted on things being done her way. Her independent spirit was matched by the values she instilled in all who knew her: respect, honesty, punctuality, and faith. She ensured her children received their sacraments and believed in God. Christmas and her birthday were her favorite times of the year, as it was a time of rejoicing, singing, joking, eating, and especially family unity.

Ofelia Martinez, her best friend, shared countless cherished moments with Elida, from discussing the latest novelas to reminiscing about their children's milestones, often over coffee and a Marlboro Light. They also enjoyed watching television together, particularly old Cantinflas movies, which brought them much laughter and joy.

Elida Estela Soliz Santana will be dearly missed by all those she touched and loved. May she rest in eternal peace.

Velco’s family will receive condolences on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Trevino Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St., from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, with Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM, services will conclude in the Chapel that evening.

The Santana family wants to add a special thank you to The Premier Assisted Living Facility in Alice for going beyond the call of duty in the caring of their mother.

To leave your condolences for the family of Elida “Velco” Estela Soliz Santana, share your memories, or visit hertribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net