Socorro Figueroa

Socorro was born to Matilde Romero Clemente and Bernardo Velázquez and was one of four siblings. She married Antonio Figueroa and together they built a family rooted in love and faith. In 1978, she moved to the United States, where her life’s calling would continue to grow.

In 1980, Socorro gave her life to Jesus Christ and faithfully served Him until she was called home to heaven. Her faith was not only spoken but lived. She was deeply committed to ministry, outreach, and service to others. She founded Nueva Esperanza, a nonprofit rehabilitation home in Lawrence, Massachusetts, dedicated to helping women struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Through this work, countless lives were touched and transformed.

Socorro was actively involved in her community—visiting hospitals and jails, preaching on the streets, serving in shelters and food pantries, and ministering wherever she was invited. She was frequently asked to speak at church conferences, where she shared her testimony and preached about the life-changing power of God. She also served faithfully as a chaplain.

A lifelong learner, Socorro loved to study and grow in knowledge. She graduated from the Bible Institute at Bradford College. Her passions included reading, writing, traveling, preaching, counseling, community outreach, evangelizing, enjoying good food, meaningful conversations over coffee, and—above all—encouraging others to follow Christ.

In the summer of 2010, through her own blood, sweat, and tears, she opened a church in Puerto Rico named Cristo La Roca, continuing her mission to serve God and His people.

In her final days, Socorro was lovingly cared for by her son, Nelson and his wife Jackie. She is survived by six of her children and their spouses; her husband preceded her in death in 2018 and her daughter Angeles in 2020. She also leaves behind 32 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Socorro Velázquez Romero will be remembered as a woman of unwavering faith, compassion, strength, and service. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the generations she leaves behind.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬