Velia Madrigal Salazar

Velia Madrigal Salazar, 99, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on March 7, 2024 at The Grand Royale in Gladstone. A visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. and a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2544 Madison, Kansas City, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13th at Sacred Heart Church, 2544 Madison, Kansas City, MO, with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Kansas City KS. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mac & Velia Salazar Family Scholarship, c/o Hispanic Development Fund, 1055 Broadway Blvd., Ste 130, Kansas City, MO 64105

Velia was born on February 28, 1925 in Kansas City, Kansas to Virginia Pimentel and Procopio Madrigal. Velia attended elementary school until age 10 when the tragic death of her father forced her to grow up early and assist her mother in raising her siblings. Though she loved school, this would teach her the life lessons of sacrifice, love and operating a household. This is also why she instilled the importance of education to her children and grandchildren.

She met the love of her life, Macario O. Salazar, and they were married for 70 years until his death in March of 2016. Velia was a homemaker and caretaker for their nine children. Macario and Velia instilled hard work, kindness, laughter, love and faith. Velia never met a stranger. Everyone who entered her home was made to feel at home and provided a fulfilling meal.

Velia will be remembered for her amazing cooking skills. Her children and grandchildren looked forward to the weekly family Sunday lunches where there was always a homemade meal including the staples of tortillas, sopa and frijoles. Velia was a woman of faith and spent her time volunteering and attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Kansas City’s Westside. She loved praying the rosary and spending time with the Lord. Velia loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals, and like many of us was excited for the Chiefs second straight Super Bowl win.

Velia was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary; grandson, Thomas; great-grandson, D’mitri; and daughter-in-law, Elaine. Velia is survived by her children: sons, Mac Salazar, Jr., Tony Salazar (Denise), Arthur Salazar (Abigail), Carlos Salazar (Katherine), and Robert Salazar; daughters, Virginia Bellis (Steve), Irene Caudillo (Ryan), and Irma Robinson (Doug); 26 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.