Alice Velez

Alice Velez of Deltona, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on May 24, 1936, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of Juan Palau and Teresa Sanoguet.

Alice's life was a testament to strength, determination, and resilience. As a young woman, she left Puerto Rico and moved to New York, beginning a journey that would be defined by perseverance, hard work, and devotion to family. She began her working years caring for a family in Brooklyn, New York and later worked in the jewelry industry before dedicating many years of service as a paraprofessional with the New York City Board of Education. Throughout her life, Alice embraced every role with pride and purpose. After retiring and moving to Florida, she continued serving her community as a school bus attendant, reflecting her caring nature and commitment to helping others.

Alice built a wonderful life in the Bronx, New York, where she raised her family before retiring and relocating to Deltona, Florida, in 1991. She was not only the beloved matriarch of her family but also a cherished friend and neighbor who became a treasured presence on Belspring Avenue. Her warmth, generosity, and vibrant personality touched the lives of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 55 years, James Velez, and her siblings, Jose Palau, Juan Montalvo, Thomas Montalvo, and Maria Luisa Castro.

She is survived by her loving sister, Gloria Gonzalez; her daughters, Vivian Guevara (David Guevara) and Valerie Tolentino; her beloved grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon), Jonathan, Andrew (Shawn), and Deanna; her cherished great-grandchildren, Ava, Jacob, Alessandra, Olivia, and Sutton; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends and her dog PeeWee who was near and dear to her heart.

Alice will be remembered for her strong-willed nature, strong work ethic, entertaining family and friends, memorable trips to Las Vegas, and her special love for the Christmas Season. Above all, she will be remembered for the love she shared so freely and the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of strength, kindness, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day."

May she rest in eternal peace. ❤️

Funeral Mass will be held on: Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St Clare Catholic Church, 2961 Day Rd, Deltona, FL 32738.

Inurnment will take place at Deltona Memorial Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd. Orange City, FL 32763, immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to any of the following charities:

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: https://donate.bbrfoundation.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22333729139&gbraid=0AAAAADyJTkckwiMZbCB4xSgnNVZfarydG&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-q20lZaDmAMViAgMAh0cSjXCEAAYASADEgIvofD_BwE

Halifax Health Hospice Florida: https://halifaxhealth.org/hospice-donation-portal