The family of Gloria Soto is saddened to announce her passing on Dec. 4 at the age of 79 in Houston, Texas. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, her life was filled with family and love.
She is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Carmelo Velázquez Sr.;
children: Myrna Velázquez van Beverhoudt, Norma Velázquez Harris and Carmelo Velázquez Jr.; grandchildren: Quintin Velázquez, Steven van Beverhoudt Jr., Mark van Beverhoudt, Angela Harris, Kira Velázquez, Jennifer Harris and Julian Velázquez; seven siblings: Rosa Soto, Vicente Soto Jr., Elminio Soto, Alicia Soto Husband, Román Márquez, Santos Alméstica and Gregoria “Goyin” Christian; sons-in-law: Steven van Beverhoudt Sr. and Matthew Harris; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Dore; special friend, Luz D. Martinez; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by parents: Julia Ventura Soto and Vicente Soto Chico;
second mother: Juana Monell Soto; siblings: Victor Soto, Jaime Soto and his wife Sara Cortijo Soto, Luis Soto, Santiago Soto, Francisco Soto, Ángel Soto, Carmen Soto, Herminia Soto Gittens and her husband Leopold Gittens, Paula Soto Suarez and her husband Viviano Suarez, Hilda Soto, Mary Soto and Anita Soto.
The viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Frederiksted. Interment will be immediately after at Frederiksted Cemetery, St. Croix.
Arrangements were made in Houston by the Dettling Funeral Home and on St. Croix by the James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.