Amparo Velasquez

Amparo Velasquez, 81, of Marion, passed away peacefully at 11:35 am on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Marion Health. She was born in Colotlan, Jalisco, on September 2, 1943, to Jesus and Josefina (Gonsalez) Suarez del Real. On June 28, 1975, she married Alfonzo Velasquez. Amparo was a solderer for many years with United Technology before retiring. She was a devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church and a devout Catholic. One of her proudest achievements was becoming a U.S. citizen. Amparo had a passion for singing Mariachi music and received many offers to become a professional singer. She was crowned the most beautiful woman in the state of Jalísco. A lover of Ranchera music, she cherished her family deeply and would do anything for them. She enjoyed waking up to the sound of birds, the beauty of nature, and the changing colors of the trees in the fall. She received her cosmetology diploma and had a stenographer certification. Amparo loved traveling to visit her family and friends in Mexico and was a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She took immense pride in her children, all of whom became healthcare professionals, and was thrilled to be a soon-to-be great-grandmother. Amparo is survived by her sons, John L. (Megan) Velasquez and Edie Velasquez; daughter, Marisol (Tommy) Hernandez; granddaughters, Catalina Velasquez and Arianna (Matthew) Faust; grandsons, Juan Velasquez, Luis Velasquez, and Carlos Hernandez; great-granddaughter, Myrah Amparo Renée Faust; sister, Rosa De la Cruz; brother, Jesus Suarez del Real; beloved dog, Gaia; friend, Donna Molner; and “second sons,” Chad Williams and Jason Ebert; and extended family members, Marti Staley, Mark Staley, and Jalen Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfonzo Velasquez; parents, Jesus and Josefina Suarez del Real; and brothers, Basilio, Humberto, Juan, and Luis Suarez del Real. The family would like to thank all the healthcare professionals who helped with the care of Amparo, especially the Critical Care Unit at Marion Health. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. A Rosary service will follow the visitation at 4:00 pm. On Monday, November 25, 2024, a Mass to celebrate Amparo’s life will begin at 1:00 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church, preceded by an hour of additional visitation from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.  Burial will follow at Estates of Serenity. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Catholic Parish, 1031 W. Kem Rd., Marion, IN 46952. Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.