Ulreka M. Canals DeVillaplana

YOUNGSTOWN - Ulreka M. Canals DeVillaplana, 92, passed away on March 3, 2025, at Hospice of Valley Boardman, Ohio, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on May 17, 1932, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, to the late Emilio and Petra Vidal Canals.

Ulreka's journey began humbly and after finishing a technical career she did her career in the Banking Field for over 40 years where she retired from. Ulreka loved to sing, dance, and laugh, she brightened every room and place she walked in but more than anything her favorite hobby was always the time spent with her family.

Family was of utmost importance to Ulreka. She is survived by her loving daughter Isabel and her son Dr. Jose "Tony" Villaplana, who will forever remember her as a guiding light and a source of unwavering support. Her legacy is further carried on by her brothers Francisco, Matias, and Raul Canals, who shared in many cherished memories.

Ulreka’s heart swelled with pride for her grandchildren: Beverly (Juan) Tripari, Solange Villaplana, Justina (Andrew) Frasco, Luis Miguel (Kayla) Villaplana, Emilio Villaplana, Gabrielle Villaplana and Jordan, Natalia (Ky) Shaw, and Jose Ignacio Villaplana. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and her love for them will forever be imprinted on their lives. The laughter of her great-grandchildren, Anthony Frasco, Louis Michael and Luca Villaplana, Xenna Villaplana, Aydan Armendariz, and Stella Shaw, filled her heart and home with immeasurable joy and warmth.

Throughout her life, Ulreka was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Emilio and Petra Canals, her devoted husband, Luis Daniel, as well as her sisters Marta and Isabel Canals, and her brother Jose Canals. Their memory lived on in her stories and in the values she instilled in her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ulreka on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 5:00PM at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home - Austintown Chapel, located at 4303 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown, OH 44515. 

Arrangements were handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.