Maria Eugenia Velasco

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Maria Eugenia Velasco passed away peacefully at her home in Rockville, MD. Maria Eugenia was born July 1, 1933 in Santiago, Chile. She was predeceased by Luis Velasco, her beloved husband of 60 years. Devoted mother to Maria of Rockville, MD, Paz (Larry Galey) of Potomac, MD and Carolina (Pat McKenzie) of Washington, D.C. Adoring grandmother of Bryan (Emily), Brady (Rachel C.), Brendan (Rachel N.), and Bryce Galey; Kevin (Sophie), Kyle, Colin, and Ally McKenzie; and great grandmother of Jack Galey. Pre-deceased by 1 brother, Maria Eugenia leaves behind a large extended family primarily in Chile and lifelong friends both here and in Chile.

Maria Eugenia relished time with her husband Luis and her 3 girls. In earlier years, the family enjoyed Sunday drives exploring the outer perimeters of the D.C. region and, and given her enthusiasm for collecting, antiquing along the way; summer beach trips to Delaware and sometimes North Carolina; and extensive travels with her husband to 33 countries primarily the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe, but also including Russia and the Middle East. She adored her grandchildren and her great grandson, who all called her by a traditional Chilean nickname for grandma, Ita, a term of endearment now retired by the family. There will always be only one Ita!

Family and friends had the great pleasure of enjoying Maria Eugenia’s delicious cooking, lasagna and beef bourguignon being the most requested. She also loved hosting tea parties for her friends, taking great care to set out her extensive tea cup and saucer collection for the ladies to sip their tea and chat for hours. Although never a drinker, Maria Eugenia found a use for a shot glass, carefully forming perfect circles of bread before meticulously adding a topping to each of her tiny yet savory finger sandwiches. Possessing a wicked sweet tooth, Maria Eugenia stashed sweets in her purse ready to indulge in one when a craving hit or to offer one to a grandchild. Along with her signature coral lipstick and pressed powder, she was not fully “dressed” for the day until she put on a few spritzes of Ma Griffe (and later Sung when Ma Griffe was discontinued) behind each ear. Without exception she always left her home dressed to the nines. Her taste in both clothes and home decor drew admiration from family, friends and strangers alike. A contradictory side not many knew about was Maria Eugenia’s love for football. She was an avid Redskins fan, and was quick to correct anyone who failed to refer to the team as the Commanders after their name change in 2022.

We would be remiss in not mentioning Maria Eugenia’s deep love for and devotion to her beloved husband, Luis. When Alzheimer’s stole his ability to care for himself, Maria Eugenia refused to succumb to pressure from family, friends and healthcare providers to place Luis in an memory care facility opting instead to keep him at home with her where he continued to support her as much as she did him. Between stellar private caregivers (two of whom stayed on with Maria Eugenia when Luis passed) and Montgomery Hospice, we are convinced that he lived far longer than he would have in a facility. In the end Maria Eugenia passed peacefully in her own bed in her own home in the same spot where her beloved Luis also took his final breath of this life.

Mass of Christian Burial and interment will be private services for family only. We ask that you continue to keep Maria Eugenia in your prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Montgomery Hospice, Inc. at montgomeryhospice.org in Maria Eugenia’s memory.