Esther Velez

Esther Velez, 77, of Chicago. Born September 4, 1945 and passed on September 17, 2022.
Our beloved Esther Velez passed away in the early hours of September 17th at her home peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family. She was born on September 4, 1945, in Puerto Rico to Maria and Manuel Velez into a large and loving family and went on to have her own loving and dear family. Esther was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.
Esther lived for her children and grandchildren and put her whole heart and soul into raising them and making sure they were happy and safe. She never stopped worrying about her three children. Whether it was her eldest son, Abraham, driving home late from Yuma to California through the mountains or her middle son, Adrian, making ice cream until the wee hours of the morning, or her daughter, Maria, working hard at the hospital until midnight, Esther always prayed for their safety. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was grateful to be able to see her youngest child graduate and to witness her children be successful in life. She was a kind and generous mother. She could have one penny left to her name and would give it up instantly for her children.
Esther was also a loving wife to her husband, Mario Pacheco, of 41 years. No matter how much they fought – and everyone knew they fought like cats and dogs - they loved each other greatly. Cooking delicious meals was just one way Esther demonstrated her love for her husband and family.
Esther was a great lover of music and dance. Her favorite song was "Los Caminos de la Vida." She was the life of the party and had the most joyful spirit. At family gatherings, you would always find her in the center of it all, serving food, laughing, and dancing with her beloved friends and family. In her later years, she could barely walk, but that didn't stop her from dancing the night away.
Esther's last five months were spent in total bliss meeting her newest, beautiful granddaughter, Giana. She and Mario spent many afternoons holding, loving, and caring for her. All she asked for from her daughter was to see her become a mother and see her grandchild. That desire was recently realized.
The last day of Esther's life was a special day the family will remember forever. She was blessed to have spent the day playing hide-n-seek with her grandchildren, late into the evening, and receiving hugs from everyone.
Esther was active in her church, St. Philomena's Roman Catholic Church, in Chicago. She was deeply spiritual and loved God and found solace for her health problems in her spiritual life. We know she is lovingly held in the arms of Jesus and happily reunited with her ancestors. Although we miss her terribly, we know we will be reunited with her again.
Esther is survived by her husband, three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchild. She was preceded by her parents and nine siblings.
Funeral prayers for Esther will be held on Thursday, September 22nd, 9:00 A.M. at Casey & Rios Funeral Home 4540 West Diversey Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639 proceeding to St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church for Mass of Catholic Burial at 10:00 A.M. Interment Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, IL. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, September 21st, from 3:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. For funeral information please call 773-777-6300 or www.caseyandriosfh.com