Esmeralda Velasquez

Maria Esmeralda Velasquez, 83 of La Loma, NM died Friday, October 22, 2010 at her home following an illness. Her family was at her bedside. Esmeralda was born November 4, 1926 in Anton Chico, NM the daughter of Julian and Ambrosia (Olguin) Aragon. She was reared and attended school at Anton Chico. She married Arturo Velasquez on July 19, 1946 in Anton Chico. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Maria enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and reading. She read both English and Spanish books. Esmeralda was preceded in death by her husband Arturo in 2006; two sons Jimmy in 1993 and Johnny in 1998; a grandson Diego Velasquez in 2001; great-granddaughters Raina Baca and Angel Velasquez Pacheco; her father Julian Aragon in 1976, mother Ambrosita Aragon in 1978; two brothers Jose Angel Aragon and Augustin Aragon. Survivors include two sons Delfinio Velasquez and wife Mariana of La Loma; Pablo Velasquez and wife Ana of La Loma; four daughters Agnes Mancha and husband Porfirio of Tucumcari; Terry Romero and husband Adolfo of La Loma; Ambrosia Jaramillo and husband Joe of Las Vegas, NM; Helen Baca and husband John of Tucumcari, NM; two daughters-in-law Mary Jane Chavez and husband Arthur; Francis Gallegos and husband Frank all of Santa Rosa. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held at 6:00 PM Tuesday, October 26, 2010 from St. Joseph Parish in Anton Chico. Mass will be celebrated from the church at 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 27, 2010 with Father Antonio Mondragon officiating. Burial will follow at Upper Anton Chico Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Porfirio Mancha Jr., Rebecca Velasquez, Karmen Velasquez, Zachary Velasquez, Julian Velasquez, Ruben Romero, Joseph Jaramillo, Gabriel Baca and Corine Mancha. Honorary bearers will include Albert Olguin, Eloy Saiz, Antonio Velasquez, Thomas Romo and Lorenzo Gomez. Arrangements for Mrs. Velasquez have been entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, NM. (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com