Several months ago I was contacted by Betty Villasenor, who lives in California. She was trying to make a wish come true for her 93 year old mother, Hilda Velarde Salas. Her mother was trying to locate the burial spot of HER mother, Josefina Duran Velarde who had died in 1929.
I could find that Josefina was buried at San Jose Cemetery, but the exact location is lost. This cemetery has been under the auspices of several different churches in Albuquerque through the years and records have been lost. That is sad as it is a large cemetery with many names. Thankfully I have two old records with names and we were able to ascertain that Josefina was here.
Betty, her mother Hilda and her three sisters as well as many family members travelled to Albuquerque from California to pay respect to their dear relative. Their niece painted a rock to leave at the cemetery to honor her.
Thank you Cheryl for all you do. Celebrating my grandmother's life was a true gift of love for my 93 year mother and our family. It was a very emotional day, but a day that took 84 years to celebrate Josefina's life. If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't be here...15 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 16 great great grandchildren! We are blessed. Betty V.
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