Odilia Age - 95 Velarde Vasquez

Odilia Vásquez, 95, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and recent great-great-grandmother peacefully passed away in her home surrounded by her family on Monday, April 25, 2011. Odilia was born in Wagon Mound, New Mexico on April 23, 1916. Odilia was a longtime resident of Velarde. She was an active leader in her community and the Velarde United Methodist Church. During WWII she worked in California as a “Rosie the Riveter.” She retired from the New Mexico State Highway Department after 22 years of employment. After retirement she enjoyed several years volunteering at McCurdy School. Mrs. Vásquez was preceded in death by her husband, Eliud Vásquez; parents, Carlos Enrique Sanchez and Maria Eufemia Sanchez; siblings: Sofia Hernandez, Dolores Romero, Juanita Sanchez and Carlos Sanchez Jr. Odilia is survived by her daughter, Estella Jeannette and husband Lance L. Cox; son, Estevan Vásquez, and former daughter-in-law, Ida Vásquez; grandchildren: Sherolyn Smith, Tim Vásquez, Stephanie Cronopulos, Eric Vásquez, Teri Hatcher, Lannette Richie and their spouses; 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her siblings: Flora Sanchez, Lee Sanchez Sr. and Emilia Romero; 22 nieces and nephews. Public visitation will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral Service, a celebration of her life, will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Velarde with burial to follow at Loma Vista Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Mathew Smith, Eric Vásquez, Nicholas Smith, JessaLyn Relly, James Romero and Michael Romero; honorary pallbearers: Timothy Vásquez, Carlos Sanchez III, Dion Sanchez, Ernie Sanchez, Ernesto Gonzales and Dorothy Hudson. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Menaul School at 301 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 or Velarde United Methodist Church. The family of Odilia Vásquez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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