Velia Juanita Aguilar

Velia Juanita Santiago (Aguilar) born December 5, 1954, died on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in El Paso, TX, following complications with cancer. Velia passed with her daughter by her side. She was 70 years old. Velia is survived by her daughter, Valerie Alvarado, and son-in-law Anthony “Tony,” four grandchildren, Autumn, Joshua, Joel, and Gabriel, her son, Army Captain Leo Hapeman Jr., and daughter-in-law Staff Sergeant Infiniti Hapeman Evans

She was preceded in death by her parents Raul and Josefa Santiago, and her sister, Herminia “Minnie” Santiago, and leaves behind her siblings and their spouses: Celia “Sally” Couder and husband Rogelio of Hickory Creek, Texas; Ismael “Bobby” Santiago of Van Horn, Texas; Esther Santiago of Van Horn, Texas; Margarita “Margie” Mahlstedt and husband Douglas of El Paso, Texas; Raul Santiago Jr. and wife Linda of McAllen, Texas; Martin Santiago and wife Sonya of Midland, Texas; Leticia “Letty” Harper and husband Joe of Mertzon, Texas; Carlos Santiago of Alamo, Texas; and Minerva Santiago Alvarado of Van Horn, Texas as well as many nieces and nephews.

As a longtime resident of Van Horn, Velia was known as a dedicated supporter and participant in her congregation at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where she served as a Guadalupana. Her spiritual relationship was most evident through her daily interactions with friends and family, often sending scriptures and daily prayers to help encourage and pray for others. She often provided spiritual guidance to her grandchildren and encouraged them to live a life full of love and kindness to others. Her favorite pastime was visiting and spending time with family and friends. Velia cared and loved for everyone she came in contact with. Her selflessness and willingness to help were characteristics she will always be remembered by. Her positive spirit will forever be engrained in those who had the privilege to know and love her. She often spoke about putting good out into the world, and good would often find you. This was evident when she would continuously win on her trips to the casino and play the lottery.

Jeremiah 31:13 “For I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.”

A memorial visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 12th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm with a Rosary at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church at 7:00 pm. to 8:30 pm. The funeral mass with Father Sergio Legarreta officiating will be on Thursday at 10:00 am. The burial will follow at the Van Horn Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Bobby Santiago, Raul Santiago, Martin Santiago, and Carlos Santiago.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home of Van Horn, Texas.