Mary Villela

Mary Elizabeth Villela

Mary Elizabeth Villela (76). Mother, sister, and beloved wife of 56 years of Joe Villela. Mary lived a full life, one that most kids in Ionia, Michigan could not have dreamed of. As a young girl, she left the safety of her hometown to venture to Brazil where she built a loving life along with her soulmate, Joe. Together, they traveled the world, living adventures, building memories, and making lifelong friends at every stop.

An award-winning ceramist, she was a member of many cultural and art communities in California where she graciously volunteered her time. Her memory is immortalized in art adorning homes from Southern California to the Northeast. In each creation, Mary left us a roadmap to remind us of her love of art, passion for color, and, most of all, her spirited personality.

She is survived by her husband Joe; sons Mark (Wal), Rick (Marisol), and daughter Michelle (Owen). Sisters Nancy Wizoreck, Barbara (Jim) Burrell. Sisters-in-law Nize Villela and Brenda Lemke. Grandchildren, Kevin (Patricia), Daniel, Jessica, Makayla (Tannor), Tatiana, Ethan, Lizzie, Emma; as well as  several nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by both parents Louis and Anna Lemke, stepfather Floyd. Brothers Louis Lemke Jr and Joe Lemke. Father-in-law Geraldo Villela, Mother-in-law Daisy Villela, Brother-in-law Drauzio de Gouveia. Sister-in-law Judy Lemke, Brother-in-law Larry Wizoreck.

Family services were held at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah