Obituary of Mary Susan Velarde

Mary Susan Velarde

September 19, 1951 – April 23, 2021

On Friday, April 23, 2021, Mary Susan Velarde (Underwood), loving wife, mother of four, grandmother of four, passed away at the age of 69. Her passing was peaceful, and she was in the company of her loving children. 

Mary Sue was born on September 19, 1951, in Tacoma, WA to Joe and Peg (Fitzmorris) Underwood. She was the oldest of nine children, and was raised to be very close with her younger siblings. Mary received her education from Saint Leo’s, graduating in 1969. On June 9, 1984, she married Carlos Velarde. Together, they raised four children; three sons, Jeremy, Nik and CJ, and a daughter, Kat. Mary spent most of her time caring for her four children, ensuring they were all happy and healthy. Later in life she developed a passion for caring for the elderly and disabled. 

Mary had a love for gardening that she used to fill her home with flowers and fresh vegetables to feed her family. She was especially proud of her tomato crop, she loved cultivating different varieties, more often than not, growing far too many for the family to consume alone. Mary also loved growing irises, many of which she acquired from her father’s garden throughout the years. 

Mary’s greatest joy in life was watching her grandchildren grow and showering them with love. She spent many days in the kitchen with her granddaughter Kalie, baking cookie and bread. Mary loved listening to her grandson Aedan talk about his video games and his farm animals. She always enjoyed watching Disney movies with the youngest, Caden and Olivia.  She loved spending her time with her entire family, including her many brothers and sister, and generally just enjoyed being in the company of her loved ones. 

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Joe, and mother, Peg, and her sister Nora. She is survived by her husband, Carlos, her four children, Jeremy, Nik, CJ and Kat. Also, her four grandchildren, Kalie, Aedan, Caden and Olivia.

A viewing for Mary will be held on May 7th, 2021, from 5pm to 9pm, at Edwards Memorial in Lakewood. The service will be held on May 8th, 2021, rosary starting at 10 am, at Visitation Catholic Church, following the service her body will be laid to rest alongside her parents and sister at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Mary’s honor.