Idelisa Vargas Andrada, beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, sister, wife, and friend, passed away on Aug. 24, 2026, at the age of 58.
Idelisa was born on Feb, 20, 1968, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to Gladys Martínez Nieves and Nigoberto Regalado Vargas. Puerto Rico was where her story began, but Houston became home when she came to Texas to further her education. She arrived with dreams, determination, and a heart full of hope. Her education not only changed her own life, but also gave her the opportunity to create the life she had always dreamed of giving her daughters.
For more than 30 years, Idelisa dedicated her life to teaching. To her, being a teacher was more than a career. It was an important part of her life and a way to help others. She believed in education, fairness, and standing up for what was right. She believed in justice and was never afraid to speak up for others. Throughout her years as an educator, she touched the lives of many students and families, leaving lessons that her students would remember for years to come.
Idelisa was, above all, a devoted mother and grandmother.
She was incredibly proud of her daughters, Cynthia Ideliz Silva, Felisa Sánchez, and Alyssandra Crystal Sánchez. She worked hard and made many sacrifices because she wanted her daughters to have opportunities and the life she had always dreamed for them.
Her greatest joy was being a grandmother to Emanuel Javier Silva, Moises Yaniv Silva, and Lumen Uriah Silva. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart and were the center of so many of her conversations. She loved spending time with them, watching them grow, and being part of their lives. Anyone who knew Idelisa knew just how much she loved her grandchildren.
Idelisa loved to dance and sing praises to the Lord. She was always laughing, and her smile was contagious. She had a warmth that made everyone around her feel welcome. She never met a stranger. From the moment she met someone, she had a way of making them feel like part of the family.
Her love for Jesus was a fundamental part of who she was. Her faith was very important to her, and she found great joy in praising the Lord. Her faith, strength, and love for God will always be part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Idelisa is survived by her husband, Johnny Andrada; her daughters, Cynthia Ideliz Silva, Felisa Sánchez, and Alyssandra Crystal Sánchez; her grandchildren, Emanuel Javier Silva, Moises Yaniv Silva, and Lumen Uriah Silva; her siblings, Edna Vargas Bryan, Niska Vargas Torres, and Nigoberto Vargas Jr.; as well as extended family, friends, students, and many others who were blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Nigoberto Regalado Vargas; Modesto Martinez, Felicita Martinez, Magda Martinez, Mildred Martinez Vega, Modesto Martinez Jr., Monserate Gonzalez, and Pedro Regalado Vargas.
Idelisa leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, education, and service. Her daughters will always carry the lessons she taught them. Her grandchildren will carry the love their grandmother gave them in their hearts. Her students will remember the knowledge, support, and encouragement she shared with them. And everyone who had the privilege of knowing her will remember a woman who stood for justice, welcomed everyone with open arms, and could light up a room with her smile and laughter.
Idelisa left a deep impression on every person who had the opportunity to know her and on every life she touched.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.