BIO
Bertha was born in Alamosa, Colorado. Growing up in Alamosa was a struggle. Her father was a bootlegger and her mother was a cook, and money was very scarce, making it hard to provide for three children.
The richness of material items was not a priority for Bertha growing up, but the richness of helping others was a gift she was blessed with. She completed high school and went on to pursue her career as a nurse. She worked at a hospital as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and for a local nursing home, where sheprovided care and undivided attention to the patients.
Bertha and her husband Walter Velarde lived in the San Luis Valley for over 120 years combined. Their daughter Bonnie Medina, son in-law Larry Medina, and grandchildren Larysa and Logan maintain the family home in Alamosa. Bertha always extended a welcome to any family member, distant or close, or to any stranger who needed a helping hand, a bite to eat, or a drink.
Bertha Velarde was born on June 9, 1957 and
passed away on January 3, 2018