Obituary of Arcelia Diaz Gonzalez Velez

On Thursday, March 3, 2022 our Savior peacefully called Arcelia Diaz Gonzalez Velez (Chata) home, surrounded by her family, one month and five days short of her 101st birthday. She was our beloved mother, nana, sister, aunt, comadre and friend to many.

Born April 8, 1921 in Sonora, Arizona to Juanita and Arturo Diaz Gonzalez, one of ten children raised in Sonora. Arcelia raised her family in Sonora and Kearny, Arizona where she resided for the past 58 years.

Arcelia is survived by daughters Cecilia Sanchez and Anna Flores (Kino); sons Arthur D. Velez (Petra) and Ralph G. Velez (Chris). She has 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 15 great, great grandchildren, 1 great, great, great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by sisters Dora Sanchez (Richard) and Irene Ramirez, and brother Joaquin Diaz Gonzalez.

She is preceded in death by husband Arturo S. Velez, son Daniel Velez, parents Juanita and Arturo Diaz Gonzalez, sisters Esther Berumen, Angelita Flores, Sophia Soto, and Anita Castro; brothers Arthur and Alfredo Diaz Gonzalez.

Arcelia was employed at the U.S. Post Office in Sonora for several years and worked many weekends at Joe Carlos' local market. Her true love was raising her family and gardening. She welcomed all who came through their door with her famous sweet tea and empanadas. Everyone looked forward to our family favorites: Christmas wine cookies, red velvet cake for dad's birthday, and her potato salad at our family holidays. When she was not caring for her family or graciously welcoming and feeding friends, you could find her outside tending to her beautiful flowers.

We thank the caring and loving staff of Charter Hospice, especially Tina and Mary.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am, with a rosary at 10:30 am and a funeral mass at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Infant Jesus Of Prague Catholic Church, 501 West Victoria Circle, Kearny, Arizona 85137. Masks are required and will be provided.

A reception will be held immediately following at Los Hermanos Restaurant, 835 US-60, Superior, Arizona 85173.

Interment will be at a later date at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Arcelia's name to your favorite Charity.