Maria "Cuca" Velasco

Maria Del Refugio Velasco 89,  known to family and friends as “Cuca”, was called to be with the Lord peacefully on Friday, August  25, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband Cesar Velasco, son Baby Velasco, sisters: Amalia Castañera, Lucia Nieto, Connie Aranda, brother Salvador Delgado, son-in-law Jim Martinez, nephews: Roberto Delgado, Henry Castañda, Robert Gonzales, and niece Diana Gonzales.

Maria is survived by her four children: Cesar Velasco (Lupe), Maria Bergs (Christopher), Cecilia Velasco Martinez, Ricardo Velasco; 12 grandchildren: Nathan Garcia, Lanette Garcia, Anna Velasco, Cecilia Bergs, Carmen Bergs, Mercedes Martinez, Diego Martinez, Joaquin Martinez, Helena Velasco-Rivera (Joe), Jacob Gutierrez, Ricky Velasco (Vicky), Mateo Velasco; 4 great-grandchildren, Isai Rivera, Eliana Rivera, Caspian Velasco, Nova Velasco; sisters: Guadalupe Jarrell, Carmen Loya; nephews: Jeffrey Jarrell, Gabriel Loya, and also extended family.

Maria was born in El Paso, Texas to Miguel Delgado and Vicenta Jara Delgado on April 10, 1934. As a young girl, Maria found joy in baseball, tetherball, and soccer. She loved telling stories of her childhood and how much fun she had growing up in La Calavera. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She cared deeply for the people around her. Maria loved to be with her family and enjoyed every minute of her house being full. Her door was always open and there was always fresh tortillas, frijoles and soda waiting for whoever came over to visit. She was kind and generous. She made an impact on many lives. Her sense of humor will be missed dearly, but it will continue to live on in all her family and the cherished memories they have of her.

Maria was a devout Catholic and a member of the Church of the Ascension, where she was a lay minister and a dedicated member of The Legion of Mary. Maria served the Lord with unwavering commitment and love. She enjoyed spending time and volunteering at church functions.

Maria lived a full life and was always surrounded by love ones. She will forever be in our hearts, our memories, and our prayers.  She is loved and missed.

Maria's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 9:00 am at St. Edwin Catholic Church located at 2105 Barcelona Rd SW, 87105. Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am. Mass will begin at 10:00 am. Maria will be laid to rest at 2:00 pm at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd NE, 87102

Pallbearers will be Joaquin Martinez, Diego Martinez, Ricky Velasco, Ricardo Velasco, Joe Rivera, and Jeff Jarrell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Cecilia Bergs, Carmen Bergs, and Mateo Velasco.

The family of Maria R. Velasco wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Father Peter, family, friends, St. Edwin Catholic Church, Salazar Mortuary, and everyone and anyone who sent prayers and condolences.