Evangeline "Bengie" Velasquez

With heavy hearts, we remember, Evangeline “Bengie” Velasquez, a faithful and loving woman whose life was filled with devotion, strength, and simple joys.

Born on February 22, 1940, in New Mexico to Jesus and Carolina Duran, Bengie was raised with strong values rooted in faith, family, and resilience. These values became the foundation of the life she built and the legacy she leaves behind.

Her faith in God was at the center of who she was. She showed love, kindness, and strength in all she did, always caring deeply for those around her.

Bengie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a proud and loving mother to her four daughters—Debby, Tracey, Leslie, and Alicia (her granddaughter she raised as a daughter)—and welcomed their spouses as her own. Her love only grew as her family expanded to include six cherished grandchildren, eleven beloved great-grandchildren, and one precious great-great-granddaughter. Each generation is a testament to the love she poured into her family, and her presence will live on through each of them.

Bengie also had a playful spirit and found simple joy in life’s little pleasures—including her occasional visits to the casino and getting down on the dance floor, where she enjoyed moments of fun, laughter, and excitement.

Bengie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, her quiet strength, and her warm heart. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit remains in the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the memories we hold dear.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Bengie is survived by daughters Debby Durnford (Jerome), Tracey Velasquez (Aaron), Leslie Velasquez (Jason), Alicia Pruett (Tyler), six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, brother Bill Duran and numerous extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carolina and Jesus Duran, three sisters and eight brothers.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 20, 2026, 4-6pm, followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 6pm, both at Horan & McConaty Chapel, Thornton. 

Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:30am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Northglenn. Reception will immediately follow. Internment will take place at 3:00pm, at Mt Olivet Cemetery, Wheatridge.