Ana Maria Velez

“With heavy hearts, we honor the memory of Ana “Chapis” Maria Velez, born on August 24, 1968, in Michoacán, Mexico. After an eight-year battle with metastatic colon cancer, she died at the age of 57 in Fontana, California on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Ana was born and grew up in a small Pueblo, Santa Cruz, in Michoacán, Mexico and was the second oldest of seven children. She came to the United States at 19 years old for a chance at building a better future and finding new opportunities. She worked as a machine operator at a warehouse company in which she met her husband, Raul Velez. They went on to have two beautiful daughters, Naomi and Alexia, who, quite frankly, were the reason she fought everyday. She was a woman of faith, so when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, she did not let this change her relationship with God. In fact, it grew her relationship. She loved to attend daily mass and be an active member in her church, befriending fellow Catholics and spreading the word of God.

The truth is, no number of words will ever do Ana’s memory justice. She was incredibly outspoken, never afraid to speak her mind and voice her opinions, which is a trait many of us can learn from. She also was a lover of talking, she could speak for hours, telling new and old stories. Despite her unfortunate illness, Ana brought a positive light into everyone’s life. She enjoyed dancing, singing karaoke, gardening, and not to mention she was an amazing cook! The exceptional strength that she carried through the years is not only admirable, but inspiring and motivating. She has left a permanent mark on everyone who knew her, teaching us that faith and positivity should carry us everyday.

Ana is survived by her husband of almost 26 years, Raul Velez; her children, Naomi and Alexia Velez; her father, Nicolas Perez; her sisters, Dalia and Yesenia Perez; and her brothers, Elvis, Boris, Nicolas, and Anibal Perez. She is preceded in death by her mother, Genera Perez.

Gone but never forgotten, we will miss Ana dearly.

For the visitation, on the 16th, there is no required color to be worn. However, we hope for everyone to be dressed formally.

The funeral, on the 17th, will require black clothing for all guests.