Isabel Velazquez

Maria Isabel Ortiz Velazquez (known as Isabel) was born in February 18, 1915 in Puerto Rico and passed on July 7, 2017 in Pasadena, CA. of natural causes.
Chaplin Jay Hendershot officiated at the viewing held at the Reardon Funeral Home in Simi Valley and at the burial site held at the Assumption Catholic Cemetery also in Simi Valley. Many members of the Velazquez family attended.
She is survived by her two children, Jose Manuel Velazquez of Holly Springs NC and Sylvia Rivera of Pasadena, CA, daughter-in-law Geraldine Velasquez and son-in-law Nicholas Rivera. She had 3 grandchildren, Brenda Wagner of Holly Springs, NC, Nicole Farmarco of South Pasadena, CA and Mark Velasquez of Sacramento, CA, whom are married to Karl Wagner, Russell Farmarco, and Andrea Velasquez. There are 6 great grandchildren, Bailey Wagner, Christopher Wagner, Sofia Farmarco, Griffin Farmarco, Samantha Velasquez and Austin Velasquez, two siblings Awilda Espinell of Puerto Rico and Luis Ortiz of Florida.
Isabel immigrated to New York City in the early 1930s with her grandmother, where she met and married her husband Manuel Velazquez, also from Puerto Rico.
Her long life is attributed much to staying active. She walked everywhere as witnessed by friends, family and neighbors. Isabel had a gift for gardening and liked taking care of plants and flowers not only in her own garden but in the homes of extended family where she often saved somewhat neglected plants. She kept busy preparing and eating delicious food particularly arroz con gandules. Ms. Velazquez also enjoyed crocheting and was comforted by watching Christian shows on TV. She liked to travel which took her up and down the east coast, cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, visiting the ruins of Rome and Jerusalem, and she would even go camping with her family! In her 90’s she relocated to the West Coast to be closer to family.
She had a great sense of humor, and enjoyed being around people and friends. Singing and music was also a joy to her. Although quiet in nature, she managed to be seen not necessary heard. She was strong, stubborn, had a mind of her own, and was very independent but was also a kind and generous person. She enjoyed keeping up with style and fashion, and was as comfortable in her jeweled studded jeans and her long sleeve T-shirts, as in her pretty dresses, and hats, while using just a bit of makeup. For her 100th birthday, Isabel was acknowledged on NBC’s Willard Scott Centenaria Celebration.
She is an icon to the family and will be terribly missed.