Maria Velia Henry

Maria Velia Henry was born November 1, 1948 in Cullican, Mexico Sinaloa and moved to California in 1965 to live with her sisters. She met William “Bill” Henry, in 1965 at the NuPike Amusement Park in Long Beach, California. They fell in love and married May 5, 1966 in Bellflower, California. They have two sons, Jason and Johnny.

Veilia was a very strong willed and determined woman who loved life. She worked at Food Maker, Inc. for 10 years, Mission Bay Hospital for 10 years and San Ysidro Medical Clinic for 2 years as a records clerk. She loved all her jobs, but didn't find her true passion until she attended Cosmetology school in 2002 where she exceled and went on to become a talented Beautician dedicated to helping others look their best. In fact, she was always pristine in her own appearance, never without lipstick and her hair done to perfection.

Being pampered, fashion, shopping, taking cruises, dancing, laughing, watching telemundo, and spending time with her friends and family….these are all things Velia loved. She was a beautiful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend. She loved life and lived it to the fullest!

I would like to read the following poem entitled, The Poem of Life.

Life is but a stopping place,

A pause in what's to be,

A resting place along the road,

to sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys,

Different paths along the way,

We all were meant to learn some things,

but never meant to stay...

Our destination is a place,

Far greater than we know.

For some the journey's quicker,

For some the journey's slow.

And when the journey finally ends,

We'll claim a great reward,

And find an everlasting peace,

Together with the Lord.

~Author unknown

We all have happy memories of Velia and these we must hold dear in our hearts and cherish them, as she cherished us. She lived a full life, complete with laughter and sorrow. As we gather today, although we will miss her physical presence in our lives, let’s not just grieve, but also celebrate her life as it was fully lived. As we talk and visit, let’s share our memories, as her Spirit continues to live in all of us.

Velia is survived by her husband Bill, son's Jason (wife Jill) and Johnny, 5 grandchildren and her brother Felipe and sisters, Armida, Carmen and Juana.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Velia by making a donation in her name to the American Cancer Society.