Obituary of Kathy Velasquez

Kathy Ann Velasquez, a former Customer Service Supervisor, passed away on February 4, 2023, at the age of 59 after an illness with cancer. Kathy was born in Syracuse, NY to her parents Norman and Maxine Martel.  Kathy, as well as her siblings, was raised in Burlington, MA.  She attended Burlington High School before graduating from Salem State University. 

Kathy met her future husband, Ramon “Ray” Velasquez, on a blind date.  The two hit it off immediately, but Kathy wasn’t convinced it was a perfect fit. Ray eventually won her over, and they wed in 1989. They were residents of Tewksbury, MA for over thirty years.  After graduating from Salem State University, Kathy began working as a customer service supervisor with Dig Safe. She spent her entire career there, working over 37 years.  

Kathy was a devoted Christian, living the Christian values every day.  She loved volunteering at the Living Waters Center of Hope in Lowell, MA.  Living Waters is a non-profit Christian organization rooted in providing support and services to those in need.   

Kathy loved to take day trips around New England, particularly with her best friend Jim and his dog Tucker.  She found peace at the beach.  Hampton Beach was her favorite place.  Kathy was driven; when she wanted to do something, she found a way to get it accomplished.  One of her lifelong dreams was to travel to Israel for a religious pilgrimage around the holy land, which she did in September.  

Kathy’s family life centered around her eight nieces and nephews.  She cherished them all.  She loved to attend their school activities and sports games.  She valued her time she spent with them, especially teaching them how to drive. Kathy adored her pets as well.  Her dog Buck and her cat “Fudge” were her life. It brought her peace knowing they found a new loving home together.  

Kathy was the beloved wife of the late Ramon Velasquez. She was the caring sister to Michael Martel & his wife Mary Ann of Del Mar, CA, Maria Curtin & her husband Richard of Millis, MA, Laura Doucette & her husband Ted of Littleton, MA, Ross Martel of Boxborough, MA, and Eric Martel & his wife Melissa of Harvard, MA. Kathy was the loving daughter of Norman Martel & his wife Phyllis Martel, and the late Maxine Martel. She was the dear aunt of Michael & Paul Curtin, Colin & Brady Martel, Lily & Reagan Doucette, and Ralph & Steven Velasquez. 

Funeral Services for Kathy will be private. However, a celebration of her life will be held later, open to all friends and family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Living Waters Center of Hope may be made using this LINK TO LIVING WATERS

Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Phyllis Martel, 5206 Inwood Drive, Woburn, MA 01801

For an online guestbook and video tribute, see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.