Cleo Velarde Obituary

Former area resident Cleo C. Velarde died in Modesto, Calif., on Saturday, May 16, 2009. She was 101.

Mrs. Velarde was born to Francisco and Elvira Candelaria in Pagosa Springs on Nov. 17, 1907. She grew up and went to school near the family ranch, which was near Chimney Rock. She later attended and graduated from high school at the Loretto Academy in Santa Fe.

Mrs. Velarde earned her teaching certificate and returned to Durango, where she was a caregiver to a disabled woman for many years and also worked as a secretary,In September 1934, she married Joe Velarde in Arboles, and they moved to Silverton. While in Silverton, Mrs. Velarde owned and managed apartments.

She lived there from 1934 to 1971, moving at that time to Durango. In 1987, she moved to Glendale, Ariz., making her last move to Modesto, Calif., in 2002.

Her family said she enjoyed cooking and helping people.

"She was a very giving woman," her daughter, Inez Maes, said.

Mrs. Velarde was also active in her church.

Mrs. Velarde was preceded in death by her husband of 21 years, Joe Velarde, in 1955.

She is survived by her daughter, Inez Maes, of Glendale, Ariz.; sons Edward Velarde of Modesto and the Philippines and John David Velarde of Phoenix; sister, Sadie Olguin, of Tiffany; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Silverton. The Rev. Nathaniel Foshage will officiate. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Silverton.