Velia Villalpando Corrigan

May 27, 1930 – April 10, 2025

The Good Lord called His faithful daughter Velia “Nena” Villalpando Corrigan home on April 10, 2025. Nena passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on May 27, 1930, and raised in Austin, Texas, Nena was the fourth child of the late Jose and Ofelia Villalpando. At the young age of five, she joined her family of migrant farm workers in the cotton fields. It was there that she learned the lifelong values of hard work, perseverance, and the enduring importance of family.

Nena began a family of her own with her first husband, Samuel M. Garza. Together, they settled in Fresno, California, and raised their seven children: Blanca S. Matz, Mary A. Garza, Samuel Garza Jr., Velia I. Garza, Anna M. Garza, Jose V. Garza, and Julia A. Jones. As a family, they worked in the fields of California’s Central Valley as seasonal farm workers, cultivating crops and strong family bonds.

After the passing of her first husband in 1977, Nena pursued a lifelong dream of continuing her education. She proudly earned her high school diploma and began college at Fresno City College. Her hard work led her to a position as a Tax Examiner for the Internal Revenue Service, where she worked for ten years before retiring. It was there she met her second husband, Richard A. Corrigan, whom she married at the age of 65. Her determination to fulfill her dreams inspired many around her to pursue their own education and dreams.

Nena was preceded in death by her first husband, Samuel M. Garza; her daughter, Anna M. Garza; her second husband, Richard A. Corrigan; and her son, Samuel Garza Jr.

A pillar of her community and a woman of unwavering faith, Nena was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Clovis and served in the Church’s Bereavement Ministry. Through her prayers and steadfast devotion, she touched many lives and led countless hearts to the Lord.

Nena’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, lovingly teaching the importance of faith, family, and caring for one another. Her legacy lives on in her five children, nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

While she dedicated much of her life to caring for others, she also found time to volunteer for several organizations such as The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and the elections polls: even recruiting her children to assist. Nena also found joy in her many hobbies. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, baking, traveling, participating in family gatherings, and was a proud member of the Red Hat Ladies Society. Her unselfish spirit of service lives on through each of her children.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her — for her love, her strength, her faith, and her beautiful smile.

Visitation will be held Friday April 25, 2025, at 9:30 am at First Baptist Church of Clovis with Funeral Service at 10:00 am (2080 Tollhouse Rd, Clovis, CA 93611) and burial to follow at Belmont Memorial Park (201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706).

In lieu of flowers you may send donations to: American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org/ or American Kidney Fund at https://www.kidneyfund.org/ways-give in memory of Velia V. Corrigan.