Avelina Sorrell Obituary

Oak Creek - (née Pauso) Avelina Sorrell, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2020 at the age of 68.  Avelina was born on January 4,1952 in Quezon City, in the Republic of the Philippines to the late parents of Guillermo and Narcisa Pauso.  She was the beloved wife to Robert Sorrell for 42 years and a loving mother to Michael (Carolyn) Sorrell.  She was a proud grandmother (Lola) of Carter and Grayson Sorrell.  Avelina was a dear sister of Aurelia (Amado), Guillermo Jr (the late Letty), Norminda (Sterling), Helen, Elena (Clarence), Daisy, Ofelia, and the late Domingo.  She was the cherished sister-in-law to Marion (Daniel), Suzy (Gregory, the late William), Linda (Peter), and Paul (Laurie).

Avelina started her career working in Honolulu, in the billing department at the Queen’s Medical Center. After her marriage to Robert, and moving to Milwaukee, she started work as a client service representative at the home office of Robert W. Baird in Milwaukee starting in the spring of 1978.  Leaving Milwaukee for Alaska in 1981 and subsequent additional moves with her family, she found employment as a banking assistant at numerous banks throughout 4 different states bringing 1,000+ smiles to people’s faces throughout her career. 

Avelina also had the unenvious responsibility of being a single mom while her husband Robert was deployed fulfilling his duties to the U.S. Coast Guard during his 30 year career. She was the one that maintained the home, worked full-time and looked after their young son Michael during Robert’s deployments which often lasted months at a time. She would take on these responsibilities with dedication, a smile on her face, and only one major complaint…never    being stationed somewhere “warm” year round.

When Avelina and family returned to Wisconsin in July of 1992, she was rehired with Baird and finished her career with over 20 years of service. Avelina looked forward to retirement so she could start her new career…to be THE best Lola that she could be, for her new grandson Carter. Avelina provided childcare for both boys whenever needed until she lost the ability to take care of herself due to her illness. Her two grandsons, Carter and Grayson, were robbed of their future years spent with their Lola, but will forever be shaped by the love that they experienced during their time together. 

Avelina enjoyed entertaining, music, dancing, bowling, picture taking, warm weather and especially travel. Avelina would make yearly trips back to Hawaii to visit her loving family and was always so excited to show off her freshly sun kissed tan skin when she came home. Avelina had a huge appetite for someone as petite as she was (4’8”) and loved all types of foods, especially when it was being used to bring people together. If you knew Avelina and food was involved, the phrase “EAT, Eat, Eat…don’t be shy!” was very familiar to you. Avelina was a selfless person and was involved in many volunteer opportunities, helping out others whenever she could. She was often known to grow out her natural, beautiful, and shiny hair for the sole purpose of cutting it short again, once she could get at least six inches to donate to the “Locks of Love Charity.” This charity would provide hair to children suffering from medical hair loss. Avelina was also a member of St. Matthews Catholic Parish in Oak Creek and enjoyed her yearly trips in the fall with family and friends to Holy Hill in Hubertus, WI.

In 2014, Avelina was diagnosed with early onset dementia (FTD). She fought a valiant battle for 6 years with her unfortunate passing during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Avelina was fortunate to be able to pass away peacefully in the comfort of her home with a few very close friends and family members, taking her last breaths next to beloved husband Robert.  A very special thank you goes to the RN’s, CNA’s, Zilber Family Hospice, and the staff at Aurora Home Health Services, who provided loving and compassionate care during the last 6 months of her life.

Avelina’s love and dedication to her family and friends' happiness was unsurpassed. She was a kind and comforting spirit to all, who thoroughly appreciated life and the company of others. She will continue to be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Please join Avelina’s family and friends for a celebration of her life on Monday, November 29th, 2021, at Feerick Funeral Home, from 5:30 P.M. until the time of her remembrance service at 6:30 P.M.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, may be made to the Wisconsin Stars and Stripes Honor Flights, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, or a charity of your Choice.