Maria Elena “Marie” Veliz II passed away on March 30, 2025 in Waco, Texas at the age of 48.
She was born on Feb. 11, 1977 in Hermiston to Elizardo and Maria Elena Veliz.
Marie was raised in Hermiston and later lived in Idaho and Kansas before settling in Texas. Marie was a strong woman who loved her children with her whole heart. She always loved spending time with them and celebrating their successes. Marie raised six beautiful children and still had time to fulfill her dream of graduating from the Paul Mitchell School of Beauty, as well as continuing her education to become a qualified special education assistant when she moved to Waco, Texas at Castleman Creek Elementary School. She was a dedicated fan of the Kansas City Chiefs (even before Mahomes) and also the Kansas City Royals. Through every win and loss, they were her teams.
Marie very much appreciated the health care providers at Ascension Providence Hospital, fourth floor. She shared her energy with them and cookies as her love language in appreciation for the excellent care that she received there. She also cared very much for her co-workers that became her family at Castleman Creek Elementary.
Marie loved the sunshine, and the warmth on her face was like medicine to her. When you think of her, remember her beautiful smile, witty personality, competitiveness and contagious laugh. We will remember her sitting on a bed of sunflowers and orchids, her signature flowers, next to her beloved bulldogs, Gordo and Papacito. She is smiling her big, beautiful smile and watching over her children that she loved so much. We ask you to look for butterflies as Marie shared you would think of her each time you see a butterfly. Her faith is steadfast and resilient as she came back to her Savior and prayed for his mercy during her illness. Smile and be joyful as one day we will all be called by the Lord. She is our angel in heaven, Little Marie.
She is survived by her parents; sons, Frederick Christopher Reese, Derrick Christopher Reese Jr. and Micah Derrick Reese; daughters, Elena Maria Reese, Melanie Marie Reese and Aubrey Irene Knight; sisters, Esmerald Eckhardt, Imelda V. Nygard and Sandra Veliz; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Marie was preceded in death by her grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Recitation of the rosary will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Marie with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
