Rita Velasquez

Rita Berru Velasquez, of Riviera, Texas, passed away on July 7, 2011, in a Corpus Christi hospital after losing her long battle with Lupus. She was born on October 30, 1964, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Rita was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister. She was preceded in death by her father, Hector C. Rivera. Rita is survived by her husband of thirteen years, Simon Velasquez, Jr. of Riviera; son, Jose M. Gutierrez IV of Kingsville, Texas; two daughters, Jenna Gutierrez of Riviera and Kendra Berru (Chris) Nefford of Corpus Christi, Texas; mother, Dominga Rivera of Riviera; five brothers: Robert (Kay) Berru of Graham, Texas, Daniel Berru of Indio, California, Edward Berru of Denver, Colorado, Michael Rivera of Riviera, and Marhil Rivera of Lindale, Texas; four sisters: Janie Delbray of Austin, Texas, Sylvia (Gabriel) Guerrero of Kingsville, Linda Gates of Riviera and Lisa Vela of Austin, Texas; fourteen nephews, five nieces, three great nephews and nine great nieces.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, July 10, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. at Turcotte, Piper Mortuary, Kingsville. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 11, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church, Kingsville. Burial will follow the service at Santa Gertrudis Cemetery, Kingsville.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet white doves in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.