Nieves "Maria" Velasco

Nieves “Maria” Figueroa Velasco was born on August 5, 1920 in San Nicolas di Bari, Province of Havana, Cuba to Pedro Figueroa and Maria Pastora Gil. She was the oldest of seven children, Eloisa, Caridad, Jesus, Sara, Mirta, and Aleida. In 1946, Maria married Agustin C. Velasco, Sr. a young man also from San Nicolas di Bari at The Knight of Light Lodge (La Logia Caballero de la Luz). They were married for 67 years until Agustin’s passing in 2014. On August 13, 1961, Maria, along with her 2 young children, fled Cuba and joined Agustin who had arrived in Miami a few months before. They settled in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood until their passing. Maria and Agustin were a team and she was the backbone of Agustin’s success. Their home was the place where many family gatherings took place, from Christmas and New Year’s Eves, to birthday parties and other celebrations. “Mima,” “Nana,” “Nene,” as she was lovingly called, will be remembered as selfless, energetic, determined, and light-hearted. She touched the lives of many with her unconditional love, generosity, and kindness and she will be greatly missed.

On February 6, 2023, Maria peacefully passed away at the age of 102 surrounded by her immediate family. She is survived by her children Isa Velasco Pacheco and Agustin Velasco, Jr.; her son-in-law, Ibrahim Pacheco and daughter-in-law, Cary Velasco; her five granddaughters: Isis Pacheco Velasco, Christie Velasco, Emilie Velasco, Lindsie Velasco, and Stephanie Velasco; and her sisters Mirta Figueroa Casola, and Aleida Figueroa.