Gladys Velez

Gladys (nee: Gutierrez San Lucas) Velez was born July 11, 1934 in Jipijapa, Ecuador. She was the first of nine children born to Libia San Lucas and Ignacio Gutierrez. She passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023 in Cortez, Colorado at the age of 89.

Gladys came to the United States on her 24th birthday in 1958. Her husband, Vicente Velez, followed three months later when his Visa was approved. Their reunion was inspirational. They went on to raise a family, become American citizens who loved this country and who also never forgot their cultural roots and traditions. Gladys was a gifted seamstress who worked her way up to pattern maker at Charm Industries in Manhattan, NY. Even in her spare time, she sewed …from dresses for her daughters’ dolls to party and wedding dresses for family and friends. She had a warm heart and a quick-witted sense of humor. She was the family’s oral historian who could recount stories like no one else. Gladysita was always ready to welcome anyone into her home with a delicious Cafecito and a captivating tale.

Surviving Gladys are her children, Vincent Velez (Laurie) of Appling, GA, Christine Velez (Scott) of Denver, CO, and Maureen Velez-Truax (Dell) of Hesperus, CO; by her grandchildren Vincent Velez of Mesa, AZ, Jonathan Velez (Jessie) of Appling, GA, Kyle and Corinne Truax of Hesperus, CO; her great-grandson Jameson Truax, and great-granddaughter Carmen Velez; siblings Norma Brunet, Marlene Reinecker, Tito Gutierrez (Maria), Galo Gutierrez, and Maria Garcia (Jose); beloved sisters-in-law Gladys Gutierrez and Rosa Gutierrez; brother-in-law Gary DiNapoli.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Vicente; her grandchildren Kerri and Matthew Velez; and siblings Luis Gutierrez, Fernando Gutierrez, and Kathy DiNapoli.

Gladys’ family wish to extend a heartfelt note of thanks to all our relatives and friends for the overwhelming amount of love and support that has been so warmly extended during this difficult time. May God bless all of you!

The funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

A Rosary will be Thursday evening beginning at 6:00 P.M. with a visitation following from 6:30 until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907.

A life tribute video for Gladys may be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PWC98G6JM29NWHYL .