Maria de la Luz Alcala de Velazquez

Maria De La Luz Alcala de Velazquez, a fiercely independent and quick-witted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family in Atwater, California. Her friends and family knew her as “Lucero” or “Lucy.”

Born on April 10, 1934, in Lagos De Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico, Maria De La Luz Alcala de Velazquez was the daughter of Daniel Dionisio Alcala and Bernardita De Leon Alcala. She embodied the vibrant spirit and traditions of her Hispanic heritage. Lucero married the love of her life, Andres G. Velazquez, on October 12, 1957, and moved to Merced, California, where she remained until her death.

Throughout her colorful life, Lucero was known for her unapologetic stubbornness, sharp wit, and biting sarcasm. Her razor-sharp tongue was matched only by her generous heart and unwavering loyalty to those she loved.

As a mother, Lucero raised her two daughters with a blend of tough love and high standards, instilling in them the values of independence, respect, and integrity. Her home was a place of laughter and love, where her quick wit and sarcastic humor kept everyone on their toes.

Lucero was a woman of great faith and was well read. She approached every challenge with a stubborn determination to do things her way, and always having the last word. Whether she was gambling at Table Mountain, sharing stories with her family in Mexico, or dancing to her favorite tunes, she did so with a flair that was uniquely her own.

In addition to her sharp tongue and spirited personality, Lucero had a heart of gold. She had a generous spirit, enjoyed getting to know her neighbors, attended family/friend gatherings with a penchant for funny storytelling, enjoyed an occasional karaoke sing a long song, and truly missed her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in Mexico.

Lucero leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and resilience that will be cherished by her husband Andres G. Velazquez, daughters Genevieve Garcia and Mary L. Rhodes, son in laws Timothy P. Garcia and Michael Rhodes, granddaughters Marissa Garcia (Alex) and Jessica Hoffman (Daniel), Michael Brian Rhodes, Gregory Alan Rhodes, great grand children Maya Garcia, Warren Hoffman, Dominick and Derrick Rhodes, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Though she may be gone from our sight, Lucero will forever remain in our hearts, a testament to the spirit of a woman who lived life on her own terms. Lucero, your wit, sarcasm, and stubbornness will be greatly missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing you.

A rosary followed immediately by mass will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 562 West 13th Street, Merced, California. Lucero’s ashes will be placed at Calvary Cemetery in Merced, CA, during a private memorial at a later date. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she Rest In Peace.