Velia Lucero Moreno Berta of El Paso, Texas peacefully transitioned from her earthly life into eternal life on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. She endured a brief but fierce battle with cancer, meeting it with quiet resolve. She never complained of pain and rarely spoke of her illness—often insisting she wasn’t sick—carrying herself with the same grace, dignity, and unmistakable strength that defined her life.

Velia was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Refugio “Cuca” Lucero; her brother, David Lucero; her husband, Alfredo Moreno; her son, Rudy “Benji” Roman; her daughter, Christine Moreno-Lujan; stepdaughter, Renee Berta; her second husband, Alex Berta; and her stepson, John Berta. She is survived by her brothers, Gilbert (Velia) Lucero and Raymond (Carmen) Lucero; her daughters, Monica Moreno and Diane Moreno; her stepdaughters, Andrea Berta and Alexis Berta; her grandchildren, Amanda (Chris) Saenz, Steven (Francesca) Loera, Brittany (Alfredo) Jaso, and Samantha Jaso; her step grandchild, Hailey Berta; her great-grandchildren, Alahni Loera, Cruz Jaso-Campos, Steven Loera Jr, and Scarlett Loera; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will continue to carry her love and legacy forward.

Velia was born on January 22, 1940, in her family’s home in La Mesa, New Mexico. Around the age of ten, she moved with her family to Alamogordo, where she grew up in the projects, took her first job at the Hi-D-Ho Drive-In, and later graduated from Alamogordo High School. She eventually relocated to El Paso, Texas, where she built a life defined by perseverance, family, and quiet courage—graceful in manner, yet resilient and strong.

Throughout her life, Velia held various positions, including at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Southern Union Gas Company, MBank, Surety Savings, and a franchise owner of a staffing agency. A first-generation college graduate, she earned a finance degree from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1987—an achievement that reflected her determination and belief in what was possible. She was a dedicated and hardworking woman, who alongside her husband Alex, became the cofounder of The Job Connection, established in 2001, where she remained actively involved throughout her life.

Velia will be fondly remembered for her glamour and elegance, her sharp sense of humor, and her enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. She never missed wine time and was fiercely loyal to her Wine of the Quarter subscription. She had a deep love for music and adventure, especially for Little Joe, a musician she admired and eventually became great friends with. Whether enjoying a song, sharing a laugh, or offering quiet encouragement, Velia knew how to live fully and on her own terms.

Velia’s visitation and services were held on December 19th and 20th, 2025. The rosary and Mass were celebrated at Cristo Rey Monastery of Perpetual Adoration in El Paso, Texas, followed by her interment at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine, Texas. Pallbearers included Steven Loera, Alfredo Campos, Chris Jones, Bart Bandy, Ralph Aguilera, and Eddie Garcia. Honorary pallbearers were Gilbert Lucero, Raymond Lucero, Armando Marquez, Jerry Marquez, and Jacob Lucero. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Reverend Wilbert Colas and Reverend Edroud Jean for their guidance and support with the services.

Velia was deeply loved. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her elegance, her humor, her quiet watchfulness, and the memories that allow us to smile even through our tears. As we remember her life, we honor her spirit and send her forward with love—Drive friendly and Vaya con Dios.