Aurelia Q. Whelan

Aurelia Quijada Whelan, age 86 of Willcox, Arizona took her place with the angels in Heaven on January 10th while visiting family in Visalia, California. Aurelia was born in Klondyke Arizona on June 18th 1927 to her parents Ramon and Margaret Quijada. Aurelia married Edward Whelan in Bonita Arizona on August 23rd 1947. The couple made their home in Willcox where she raised her four children and lived until the time of her death. Aurelia was a kind, caring sweet person. Her grace and beauty touched everyone that she met. She had great strength in her gentle soul. Aurelia spent her life caring for and loving her family. She was “Mom” to everyone she met. She was dedicated to care for anyone that needed assistance under any and all circumstances. Aurelia loved the Lord with her whole heart. She had unwavering faith, even in her darkest moments. She was a lifelong Catholic and member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Willcox. She brightened this world with her smile, her gentle touch and her genuine love for others. There are so many memories and cherished moments we will all cherish forever. We were truly blessed to have had our lives cross paths with hers. Aurelia was preceded in death by her husband Edward Lee Whelan, her daughter Geraldine Mae-Margaret Whelan Henkel, her grandson Michael Whelan Henkel, her father Ramon Quijada, her mother Margaret Quijada Sanchez, her step-father Jose Sanchez, her brothers Phil Quijada, Ignacio Quijada, Alonzo Sanchez and her sisters Rita Quijada Ramirez Haynes, Ramona Quijada McNair, Eleanor Sanchez Abeyta, Celia Sanchez Miranda. She is survived by her brothers Joe Mike (Shirley) Sanchez and Lenny (Priscilla) Sanchez, both of Tucson, Arizona. She is also survived by her children William “Bill” Whelan (Cookie) of Visalia, California, Edward Whelan (Arlene) of Exeter, California and Darrell Whelan (Lynda) of Willcox, Arizona. Her grandchildren: Donna Whelan Post (Jimmy) of Visalia, California, Terri Whelan Sigley (Tom) of Visalia, California, Kristi Whelan White (Ben) of Portland Oregon, David Henkel (Melissa) of Mesa, Arizona, Steven Henkel (Megan) of Visalia, CA, Kristi Whelan-Andrew (Jimmy) of Visalia, CA, DeAnn Whelan of Visalia, CA and Jennifer Whelan Rauscher (Richard) of Phoenix, Arizona. Her great grandchildren: Judd, Jarod, Courtney, Carley, Sebastian, Teresa, Wyatt, Caden, Ashley, Bailey, Shadea, Kailani, Jaxon, and Richard. Her step-grandchildren: Megan, Miles, Laura, Heather, Cody, and Jerry and step-great grandchild: Liam. Two great-great grandchildren are due in the next few months. Louisa Whelan and Geneva Whelan were especially close to Aurelia as well her numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; too many to name, but loved by her. All her friends and family loved her and will miss her dearly. A Rosary will be offered at 7:00pm on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at West Lawn Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment of her cremated remains will follow at the Safford Union Cemetery. Lunch will be served at Sacred Heart Catholic Church following the interment. You may express condolences at www.westlawnchapelmortuary.com Services entrusted to Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory of Willcox, Arizona.

Aurelia Q. Whelan

June 18, 1927 - January 10, 2014