Leonora Naomi Soriano-Vassef & Ali Vassef

Leonora Naomi Soriano-Vassef, 39, and Ali Vassef, 38, were killed on Sept. 5, 2022, in Taylor, Texas, by a drunk driver. 

Naomi was born on March 10, 1983, to Gloria Islas and Ben Soriano. Ali was born on May 31, 1984, to Milly and Tony Vassef. Both Naomi and Ali were born and raised in Austin and both attended McCallum High School. Naomi also attended the Texas Culinary Academy, where she became a chef.

Naomi and Ali met as very young teenagers working at Always Collectibles, and they became forever inseparable. They were married on April 20, 2013. 

Naomi was the Chef of Patricia's Lunchbox, where she created nutritious meals for local schools. Ali was general manager for Top Gunn Equipment Rentals. Both were passionate about their work and beloved by their employees and coworkers.

Naomi and Ali loved to cook together, travel, attend numerous concerts, host poker nights and Halloween parties, and take care of their two dogs, Lily and Enzo. They built their home from the ground up and poured their love into every inch. Naomi enjoyed her garden, playing video games and competing in the Camp Gladiator Games every summer. Ali was an award-winning metal detector who traveled abroad several times. Ali was a jack of all trades who could be counted on to create and repair anything for anyone. Naomi was the go-to cook and cake baker for both family and friends.

Ali and Naomi had no children, but they loved their nieces and nephews as if they were their own.

Both spent as much time as they could with the people who meant the most to them. They built a beautiful life together which was cut far too short.

They are survived by Gloria Islas (mother), Milly Vassef (mother), Tony Vassef (father), Ben Soriano (father), Seth Garcia (brother), Natalia Vazquez (sister), Vanessa Baldivia (sister-in-law), Crystal Barfoot (sister), Brandon Vassef (brother), Hannah Barfoot (sister-in-law); nephews, Adrian Gutierrez, Isaiah Lovingood and Nicholas Garcia; nieces, Amelia Barfoot and Linda Lovingood; in addition to numerous extended family members and friends.

"Two of the most beautiful and incredible people in our family have been taken from us far too soon. Our families are deeply saddened to lose them, but we are comforted to know they are together as they always were, taking their final journey to be with God."

Visitation took place on Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home in Elgin. A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home in Elgin. Memorial donations may be sent to Mothers Against Drunk Driving or Austin Pets Alive.

Arrangements entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.