Elia

Arreaga

(nee Villeda) Ely, of Woodlynne, NJ, Cherry Hill, NJ, formerly of Guatemala, went home to be with the Lord on November 10, 2026. Beloved wife of 60 years to the late “Ric” Ricardo Arreaga. Loving mother of Fredy Arreaga (Maria), Tony Arreaga (Marisol), Che Jiovanny (Darlene), and Nancy Arreaga-Parsi (Sergio). Proud grandmother of 9. Anthony, David, Sergio, Alexis, Fredy, Alyssa, Gabby, Bella and Ellie.

One day shy of her 89th birthday, Ely, as she was affectionately known, was called home to her Heavenly Father and reunited with her beloved Ric, her husband of 60 years.

Ely was a remarkable soul. Her devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the cornerstone of her life, and she spent all 88 of her years in the embrace of the church. Ric was her whole world.

A lifelong lover of learning, Ely was a gifted student. Though she never pursued the profession she had once envisioned, she built a life rich in talent and purpose. She became an accomplished pastry chef whose cakes graced weddings, birthdays and celebrations of every kind. She was also a gifted seamstress who clothed members of her church and neighbors throughout her community.

She had a deep love of the arts. Hymns stirred her heart, but poetry was her truest passion. She committed countless poems to memory, more than anyone could ever tally, and recited them with theatrical flair, every verse accompanied by expressive gestures. She was a poet in her own right as well, writing a great many poems of her own. They were beautiful, deeply spiritual verses that gave voice to her faith. She loved to sing. She was a woman of abundant joy and profound faith.

Above all, she treasured her family. To her grandchildren she was "Mamita," a name we all cherished. She was ever at their side, coaxing smiles from them, and her own smiling face was the most beautiful any of us will ever know.

Ely was larger than life. She knew this day would come, and we believe she met it at peace with all she had accomplished. A faithful servant to the very end, she has finished the race and kept the faith. Now she rests in the arms of the Lord she loved and served all her life. Waiting for her there was Ric, who was her whole world for 60 years. After their years apart, they are together once more, and we take comfort in knowing that she celebrated her 89th birthday not with us, but at home with him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ely's visitation on Wednesday, November 18th from 10-11 AM at Jackson Funeral Home, 308 Haddon Ave., Haddon Township, NJ, where her funeral service will begin at 11 AM. 

Interment Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, NJ. In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St. #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106. 

Arrangements by Jackson Funeral Home, Haddon Township, NJ www.jacksonfh.net