Josefita Silva Velarde

A proud El Paso native, Josefita built a life devoted to her loved ones. She shared a 60-year marriage with her beloved husband, Luis Alfonso Velarde Jr., who preceded her in death. They loved traveling and seeing the world side by side. To their children, they were simply “Mom and Pop.”

Josefita is survived by her children, Leticia (Chris), David (Letty), Melissa, Luis, and Lisa (Garth). She was a grandmother to Nick, Ciera, Cheyenne, Dani, Robyn, Austin, and Jackie. She was preceded in death by her sister, Beatrice, and is survived by her sisters, Jenny, Dolores, and Elva.

She dedicated many years to her profession as a cytotechnologist, earning respect for her skill, precision, and strong work ethic. Even so, her greatest accomplishment was the family she built and nurtured.

Josefita loved watching her Texas Rangers and never missed an episode of Criminal Minds. She enjoyed ice cream, hot dogs, and, every once in a while, a nice cold beer. During the holidays, she filled her home with the smell of homemade sweets that became cherished family traditions. She was known for teaching her grandchildren how to play poker long before they were probably old enough. Her loyal dog, Percy, brought her daily joy and companionship.

Josefita’s life was defined by love, strength, humor, and tradition. Her legacy lives on in the stories shared around kitchen tables, in the recipes passed down through generations, and in the hearts of those who called her Mom, Grandma-sita, sister, and friend.