Jessie was born in Chino on January 23, 1924 and proudly called Chino home for her entire life. She was known by all as an amazing and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and aunt.
Jessie lived to see the Great Depression, WW2, the moon landing and the other important historical moments of an entire century. She had many jobs throughout her life, including maintaining planes for WW2 Training Fighter Pilots at Cal Aero, now known as the Chino Airport. Her last job was that of a businesswoman who ran her own drapery business until the age of 83.
Jessie, a beautiful dancer, grew up in the Big Band era and met her husband Ramon on the dance floor. We were blessed to have witnessed their graceful dancing capabilities throughout their lives. She was also an avid reader, an expert seamstress and an enthusiastic observer of American politics.
Jessie was an inspiration to all of us, a beautiful role model who taught us to believe in ourselves. She was a true beacon of light and will forever be missed.
Jessie is survived by her daughters Dolores Hernandez, Patricia Rodriguez, Melinda (Mark) Miller, son Joseph Velarde( Francis), 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Ramon Velarde, sons Raymond Velarde and Danny Velarde, sons-in-law Phillip Hernandez and David Rodriguez, parents Bruno and Felipa Ceja , nine siblings Jennie Hernandez, Mary Uribe, Victoria Sanchez, Aurora Lopez, Pedro Ceja, Joe Ceja, Robert Ceja, Roger Ceja and Bruno Ceja Jr.
On Saturday, August 3rd a Rosary will be held at 9:30AM followed by Mass at 10:00AM. Both will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 5048 D Street, Chino. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 444 East Lexington Avenue, Pomona.
