Velma Brenda Vigil passed away at her home in Hernandez, New Mexico, on May 13th, 2026, after losing a tough battle with colon cancer.

Velma was born February 21st, 1966, in Fairview, New Mexico, to parents Bobby and Theresa Vigil of Hernandez, New Mexico. She spent her childhood years in her hometown before graduating and moving to Tennessee. Velma then moved to Missouri, followed by Texas, before returning home to New Mexico.

Velma graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 1984, attended Northern New Mexico College, and received a paralegal degree from Santa Fe Community College. As the spouse of an army officer Velma and her children lived in Missouri but would visit New Mexico as much as possible and for the holidays. She worked hard in her occupations as an army shipping coordinator, legal secretary, and paralegal. Velma’s love for community and advocacy prompted her to help others in their court proceeding; it was well known that Velma cared deeply about so many people and would do her best to help keep parents and their children together. After she retired Velma chose to return to Hernandez, New Mexico where she lived with her partner, Samuel (Sammy) Valdez.

Aside from her passion for helping others, Velma was a dedicated mother to her two children, Shawnti and Robert Gonzalez. She did everything for her children and was so proud of what they have become. Not only was Velma a committed mother but she was also a caring friend; whether she was attending a craft fair, celebrating San Juan’s day, helping others with legal matters, going on motorcycle runs, or sharing a visit, Velma loved her friends as if they were her family.

Velma was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and despite stage four prognosis she fought hard until the very end. Velma underwent different chemotherapy treatments although she did not let it define her; she would smile through the pain, keep her nails manicured, and her spirit strong. Velma was strong believer in the catholic faith and was comfortable knowing that she would be received to God’s kingdom when her time had come.

Velma was preceded in death by her father Bobby Vigil, uncle Robert Viarreal, several aunts and uncles from the Vigil’s of Hernandez, and Julia Virreal and Elvira Virreal of San Juan. 

She is survived by her mother Theresa Vigil, aunt Susie and Gonzalo Rascon, sister Angela Vigil, partner Samuel Valdez, first cousins Michelle Chavez (Sergio Trevizo) and Donald Gallegos, all of her loving San Juan and Nevada cousins, and all her loving cousins of Hernandez. She is also survived by daughter Shawnti Gonzalez, son Robert Gonzalez, nephews Rodney Gallegos and Antonio Chavez, niece Nicole Gallegos, great nieces Alexis Gallegos and Nicolynn Gallegos-Quintana, and great nephews Rodney Gallegos III and Antonio Chavez Jr.

Services for Velma are pending.

The family of Velma Vigil has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477