Velia R. Poblano

A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. Velia Rosales Poblano, 87, of El Paso, Texas, peacefully departed this life of natural causes after her second hard-fought and courageous battle with cancer on March 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM, surrounded in love by her devoted children by her side.

Velia Rosales was born in Buena Vista, Texas on October 27, 1937, to Benito and Aurora Rosales. She grew up in Smeltertown, Texas, (Once a thriving community sat in the shadows of ASARCO‘s giant smoke stacks. Today, little more than a tree or two, some bricks and the cemetery remain), alongside her six siblings, Ramon, Benito Jr., Roberto, Alicia, Olga and Yolanda.

Velia first saw Guillermo, her future husband, when they were both 14. She caught his eye as she stepped off the school bus. They became close childhood friends, and at 17, they crossed the state line into New Mexico to marry, where it was legal at that age. Velia and Guillermo, certain of their strong love, made the decision to start a family and were happily married for 59 years until Guillermo’s passing in 2014. They raised five wonderful children together, building a home in the Ascarate Park area, a subdivision called Lakeside, where she lived a blissful 60 years until her recent death.

Velia poured her devotion into her children, Jose Alfredo “Freddy”, Ramon “Monie”, Richard, Karen Poblano-Fomby (Nathaniel) and Gilbert, and found immense joy in being a grandmother. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family, reaching countless children within the Ysleta Independent School District. She was lovingly known as ‘Grandma’ at the schools where she dedicated her time. She was selfless, supportive, and a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. She was a proud and active member of the Ascarate and Hidden Valley Communities For countless years, she led as Volunteer Coordinator at Ascarate Elementary School, where her passion for education and helping others left an indelible mark on many lives. This impact was evident until her final days, with visits from retired administrators, teachers and staff members who expressed deep respect and admiration for her.

Driven by her aspiration to establish a home daycare to help care for all her grandchildren, Velia pursued a Child Development Associate of Applied Science degree. Her dedication was evident throughout her time at EPCC, where she achieved Dean’s List of Honors every semester. Though she earned a full academic scholarship to UTEP’s Education program, Velia’s heart remained at home, where she chose to help nurture the grandchildren she dearly loved and continue her work within the school district and community.

In 1998, Velia received La Mujer Obrera civic award from Estela Casas, recognizing her work in fostering creative expression that celebrates the dignity and diversity of our Mexican heritage. She was unable to attend the ceremony because she was in Washington D.C. alongside Principal Nellie Morales, recognizing her volunteer contributions that helped Ascarate Elementary achieve Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status.

Velia was always ready for a new challenge or a new adventure, her enthusiastic spirit was ever present in her laughter and her love of people. She was deeply knowledgeable about local, state and federal politics, driven by a firm commitment to social justice, community well-being, policy education and the empowerment of others. From the steps of the Carolina Center to countless front porches, Velia’s presence was constant during election season. Whether rallying support for her delegates or expanding voter registration, she was a dedicated force.

Driven by conviction and a deep compassion, Velia dedicated serving God at San Antonio Catholic Church, where she helped to provide a haven for displaced migrant families. Like an ocean, Velia’s dedication to humanity was vast, and her impact rippled outward from the immediate empathy which flowed freely, starting with those closes to her.

Velia’s strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit was apparent to everyone who knew her. She faced her diagnosis with steadfast faith, prioritizing comfort and connection over aggressive treatments. Until her final days, she continued to illuminate the lives of her family and close friends. Her journey was challenging, yet she endured it with her trademark stoicism and grace.

The Poblano family is deeply grateful to everyone who loved and admired their dear matriarch, and who supported her remarkable and extraordinary journey through life. She was a force of nature and a light of immense kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of boundless love, service and passion, and her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of anyone who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Velia’s memory to honor her legacy to any of these organizations:

To honor her inspiring work to protect our democracy and register people to vote, donate to: The El Paso Democratic Party: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/elpasodemocrats

To honor her work as a volunteer to do the tough, necessary work right here in Texas donate to: Powered by People: https://poweredxpeople.org

To honor her commitment to her spiritual community, which meant so much to her, donate to: San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/sanantonioccelpaso

To honor her work as an advocate for environments that welcome and accept people of all abilities consider donating to: GiGi’s Playhouse El Paso: https://gigisplayhouseelpaso.org/

Velia will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her wisdom and the love she shared with family and friends.

Pallbearers: Jose Alfredo Jr., “Joey”, Jacob Madrid, Edward Ryan Verdin, Tyler Smith, Gibby Poblano, Rashad Salters.

Honorary Pallbearers: Michael Poblano, David Poblano, John Chatman

A visitation for Velia will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A rosary will occur Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A funeral mass will occur Monday, March 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at San Antonio de Padua Church, 503 Hunter Dr., El Paso, TX. 79915. A graveside service will occur Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, TX. 79907.