Ida E. Velasquez, a long-time resident of Gilroy, Monterey and Missoula, Montana was born in Madera, California and grew up in Madera and Gilroy.   Ida met her future husband, Jesse Velasquez at an USO dance.  They married in Texas just before Jesse shipped out to participate in the war effort.  Ida then participated in the war effort as a "Rosie the Riveter;" working in the East Bay Shipyards. Her life aspiration was to be an interior designer and work in a big city. This aspiration was changed by life's events but, this talent and many others were lovingly employed in her home and for her family.  She was a wonderful seamstress, homemaker and educator.  She loved to read and shop at secondhand stores.  Over her married life to Jesse, Ida gave birth and lovingly raised eleven (11) boys. She is remembered by her family and friends as a very loving, generous and caring person.  In her generosity, she recognized the individual's need over the circumstances and willingly helped; this genuine characteristic was passed on to her children.  She saw the goodness in every person she encountered.  In her passing, Ida leaves behind eight children: Jess, Fred and his wife Linda, Tim, Rick and his wife Carol, Bob and his wife Mina, John, Joe and his wife Auburn and David and his wife Dianne. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jess and three of her sons, Daniel, Patrick and Paul. Also, she leaves behind many nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ida E. Velasquez passed peacefully on July 11th at the age of 100.

A viewing will begin at Habing Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 26th at 8 a.m. The funeral Mass will be held at St Mary Church, Gilroy on Wednesday, July 26th at 10 a.m. with the internment to follow.