Candice Ashley Velasquez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Candice Ashley Velasquez, who passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 34. Candice was a caring daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, auntie, and friend. She was born in Espanola, NM on August 28, 1989. 

Candice was a loving person, always willing to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. Her warm personality, infectious smile, and generous heart made her an instant favorite among all who knew her. Although Candice was born with a congenital heart defect, it did not limit her on “living her best life”. She was strong and courageous, as demonstrated through her organ transplant journey. Candice was creative; those who knew her knew that she was an amazing artist that loved to draw and paint flowers. Candice graduated from Pojoaque Valley High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of New Mexico. She used her education to work with children and adults with developmental delays such as autism and intellectual disabilities. 

Candice is preceded in death by her grandparents Arnold Montero, Marcella and Joe Lopez, aunt Marcy Vigil, uncles Michael Lopez, Joey Lopez and Carlos Montero. 

Candice is remembered with love by her parents, Leon and Tanya Lopez, Dominic Velasquez; sisters Megan Akes (Luke), Amberly Bustos (Matt), Kaune Lopez (Rick), Shawntae Velasquez; loving niece Ayla; grandparents Mary Sena, Yolanda and Rudy Martinez, and Robert Velasquez; aunts and uncles Angela Borrego (Melvin), Anthony Montero, Arnold "Chickie" Montero, Nathan Velasquez (Liza), and Marty Vigil. Godmother Tracey Garcia, precious cat Dusty, and many other close family and friends. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the staff on the CVMU floor, cardiac rehab staff, plasmapharesis/dialysis team, heart and liver transplant teams and CVICU nurses for their selflessness and care throughout Candice’s time at University of Utah Hospital.

A Rosary will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 12:00 pm, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:00 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM.  Burial to follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in El Llano, NM. 

Pallbearers are Megan Akes, Amberly Bustos, Kaune Lopez and Sasha Quintana with Honorary Pallbearer as Brandon Vigil. 

The family of Candice Velasquez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com  505-747-7477