Emma Rodriguez Vela, 84, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in Owatonna. She was born May 6, 1926 in San Benito, Texas the daughter of Trinidad and Berta (Reyna) Rodriguez. She was united in marriage to Zeferino (Pete) Vela in San Benito, Texas and together they had twelve children. Emma and Pete frequently enjoyed dancing the night away at the Eagles Club where they were members. She loved Spanish dances, Spanish music and Spanish soap operas. Emma''s life was dedicated to her family and many happy times were enjoyed at local parks where family reunions and picnics just to round her family together was the norm. Emma spent over twenty years working with the Owatonna Migrant Schools and also was employed as a teacher''s aide with the Claremont Public Schools for many years. She was a devout Catholic who was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and friend, making sure anyone who graced her home enjoyed a hot meal as she was infamous for her wonderful tortillas. She was a well respected member of St. Joseph''s Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna, where she volunteered her time and services helping others. Words cannot express how much she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Emma is survived by five daughters and three sons, Tina (and Jose) Castillon Gavilan of West St. Paul, Amalia (and Paul) Schweim, Amelia (and Raul) Castillo, Sandy Vela all of Owatonna, Emma Nesseth of Claremont, Benny (Irma) Vela, Alfred Vela both of Owatonna, Pat (and Mary) Vela of Faribault. She also survived by thirty-one grandchildren, sixty great grandchildren and fourteen great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Pete, of forty-two years, four children, one sister, two brothers, grandson Frankie, granddaughters Harley, Maria and Laura. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM . Funeral Mass will be held March 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna. Visitation: 03/09/2011 16:00 03/09/2011 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 03/10/2011 11:00