Lydia Velez

Lydia Velez, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, in St. Augustine, Florida, at the age of 89. Born on March 28, 1937, in Isabela, Puerto Rico, Lydia moved to the United States at the age of 21, embarking on a journey that would lead her to become a cherished figure in the lives of many. Lydia settled in Manhattan, New York, where she dedicated herself to raising her daughter and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She demonstrated her unwavering commitment to caring for others, a testament to her nurturing spirit. She retired in 1999 and moved to Tampa, Florida. She later moved with her daughter and son in law to Dallas, Texas, before ultimately returning to her roots in Florida. She had recently relocated to St. Augustine. Lydia was a devout member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Her quiet strength and fierce independence endeared her to those who knew her, while her loving nature made her the heartbeat of her family. Lydia was particularly devoted to her grandsons, Evan and Eric Prado, playing a significant role in their upbringing with warmth and affection. She also relished the joys of being a great-grandmother to Manny and Selena Prado, whose laughter lit up her days. Lydia was preceded in death by her parents: Meliton and Guadalupe Velez. She is survived by her daughter, Yvette Prado and her husband Edward of St. Augustine; grandsons, Evan Prado and his wife Phoebe of Martinez, Ca. and Eric Prado and his wife Maria of St. Augustine; sisters, Anna Tavarez and her husband Ismael of Puerto Rico, Carmen Mosqueda of Miami, and Luz Marrero of New Jersey; a brother, Pablo Velez and his wife Josefina of New Jersey; and her great-grandchildren, Manny and Selena Prado. Each one of her family members will carry forward her legacy of love and devotion. Funeral services will be held to celebrate Lydia's life at 11 am on Monday, July 13, 2026 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Pastor John Fletcher officiating. A visitation, beginning at 10 am will precede the service. Interment at Craig Memorial Park with follow the service. Those unable to attend can view the live-stream by going to: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/0d926f14-3fd3-923f-c556-1f0bb777106f St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Lydia Velez

March 28, 1937 - July 1, 2026