On November 10, 2012, Lucila Velez Robles closed her eyes for the last time and was received with open arms by her Lord and Maker.
     Lucila was the daughter of Martin Velez and Georgina Robles. Born on April 22, 1940 in Cidra Puerto Rico, Lucila became a life-long learner after leaving school at an early age to care for her six younger siblings.
     Lucila was a proud and faithful Catholic, who was a long-time active member of St. Peter’s Parish on Main Street in Worcester. She was a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of a number of parish groups including the Spanish Retreat Ministry.
     One of 14 siblings, Lucila was predeceased by her brothers Silverio Velez, Jose Velez, Catalino Velez, Felix Velez, Teodoro Velez, Pedro Velez, Martin Velez, Nicanor Velez; and by sisters Paula Velez and Rosita Velez. She is survived by her loving and inseparable sister Aida Velez and nieces Flavia, Blanca Iris and Yildiz, of Worcester, her beloved little brother Leonardo Velez, of Cidra Puerto Rico and his family, her loving children; son, Juan A. Gomez and his sons Juan Eric and James Andre Gomez of Worcester MA; her son Alberto Gomez of Caguas Puerto Rico, his wife Elsa and daughters Nicole and Gabriela; and her devoted daughter Tina Velazquez, her husband Dr. Ferdinand Velazquez and their sons Martin Velazquez and Daniel Velazquez; and great grandson Logan. She is also survived by her faithful husband and companion of 21 years Miguel Cotto of Worcester and step-son Rene Cotto of Mt. Pillierd, Vermont.
     Prior to retiring Lucila had been a cook and domestic worker in San Juan Puerto Rico and a child care worker, cook and in-home daycare provider for the Great Brook Valley Childcare Center, where she enjoyed caring for and serving some of the most needy children of our community. Lucila was very proud of her three children and her grand children, and felt fulfilled and blessed to see her fourth generation in her great grandson Logan Donatelo Velazquez.
     She was a wonderful mother, devoted Catholic and generous humanitarian. She loved to read, to travel with her sister, to write poems; but most of all enjoyed cooking for her children and grand children.
     Calling hours will be from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Monday, November 12th at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 13th at St. Peters Parish, 931 Main Street at 10:00AM, burial will follow at the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Immediately after the burial, friends may join the family for a reception to celebrate Lucila’s life at the St. Peter’s Parish Community Center, located behind St. Peters Church. In lieu flowers, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.