Amy Velasquez

Our beloved mother, Amy Velasquez, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, in the comfort of her home in Newark, CA, where she lived for the past 51 years. She leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and laughter.

At 103, she had outlived our father by 18 years, as well as his three siblings and her own seven siblings—all by the same span. While she often reflected on being the last of her generation, we find peace in knowing she is now reunited in heaven with our father, her siblings, and in-laws.

Mom was a true homemaker and a homebody, especially over the last decade. Not so long ago, our home in Newark was filled with the comings and goings of family, extended family, and cherished friends. She was famous for her paintings and delicious cooking—her Chiles Rellenos, Huevos Rancheros and Mole are still fondly remembered by many. People still talk about those meals with love.

She had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved a good practical joke, and her warmth and beauty drew people to her. She was deeply loved, and during her final days, she was surrounded by her immediate family—just as she had always been there for us.

She is survived by her three daughters, all living locally, and their children:

• Emily Sawyer and her children Luke and Matthew Sawyer, and Richard Brown; four great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
• Yvonne (David) Rost, and their four children David, Peter (Julie), Aaron (Jessica), and Chris Rost (Tara Adams), along with six great grandchildren.
• Cindy Grant (Gary Rost), and her son Allen.

Mom was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.

We will honor her life with a Rosary on Thursday, October 9 at 7:15 PM, followed by a Catholic Funeral Service on Friday, October 10 at 3:00 PM at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels in Fremont, CA. A reception will follow at the home of Yvonne and David Rost.

Her final resting place will be alongside our father at San Joaquin National Cemetery, with a private interment to be held at a later date.