“"May I suffer everything well, in imitation of Christ, and gain heaven."
Life story
Amarilys Velez (nee: Candelaria) was born on November 3, 1976 to Rafael and Rosa Candelaria, both native to Puerto Rico. She grew up in Park Slope, Brooklyn and has one younger brother, Rafael, Jr.
In 1995, while attending Kingsborough Community College as a Music Major, she met her future husband, George, and they began dating on March 27 1995, at the age of 18. She Majored in Music Performance (Voice).
Amarilys would marry him three years later on that same date, March 27, 1998. She would give birth to their five children: Mari Angelica (1999), Catherine Elizabeth (2000), Therese Maria (2001), George Stephen-Alexander (2003), and Juliana Rose (2005). She would later experience the heart-breaking loses of four (4) miscarriages: John Jacob (2010), Louis (2014), Cecilia Mari (2018), and Thomas (2021).
Amarilys was a woman of deep Christian faith, which permeated every aspect of her life.
She is survived by her husband, George, all of her children, both her Parents and her brother, Rafael, Jr. with his family.
Dearest Lily,
What can I say about our friendship? Of how much you meant to me and where I would be without your guidance and wisdom. I always came bustling in the office to find you sitting at your desk with a coffee in hand while you organized your day and thoughts. You were always so calm and full of faith, something I always admired. You were so many things to so many ppl- a creative, an artist, a medical worker whose patience and kindness was always noted by our patients, a great friend etc. You were able to show your faith and lead by example which helped me on my own journey through some very difficult times. I keep our chats and laughs in my heart and treasure them. I felt I knew each one your kids and George so well even before meeting them through your stories. You were proud of your family. It’s hard for me to believe the sickness took you away so quickly. You battled and never complained about it although we saw how difficult some days were for you. Your memory will always live on through your growing family. Cristian and I keep your memory close in our hearts and will never forget you. I know you’re an angel now watching over all of us and taking care of your family in a different way. We miss you dearly. RIP - tere
I do remember our dear Amarilys:
Her faithfulness to God.
The fidelity to her husband.
Faithful and devoted to her family.
I remember her quiet and sumisa to her husband, she always let him talk, and yet, she led him.
She lived as a daughter of God, pleasing Him.
Daughter of the church, working in the musical body of Christ.
A faithful and loving wife.
And Mother in all the fulfillment of the word, Mother.
Sister Tepeyac, SSVM
Hey Lily, Knowing you for so many years, I may say God has blessed me so much hearing you laugh always and knowing how much you prayed for me, brings me to tears because I miss you so much. From making you laugh with my corny jokes and your family saying that was so bad lol but you always laugh and very genuine. I love you and will always be here for your beautiful family. I will always remember talking to you about my career and how happy you always was for me. I miss you so much and every time I remember you, my tears come down my face. I wish I can tell you what’s been happening lately but with my prayers I will. I love you Lily with all my heart and miss you so much. Thank You for the memories. See you soon, and guide me always. R.I.P. Lily ❤️
Although I didn’t get to know you well enough, I can clearly see what kind of legacy you left behind. You have a wonderful family, devoted to God and united in love. Thank you for being the beautiful person everyone has testified you were. Please pray for us 🙏🙏🙏
From picking me up from school to fast forwarding to now just shows how fast life goes and how so many things can happen in a decade. Your beautiful smile always lit up the room and your laugh was always contagious, never had a negative thought in your head when it came to your family and christ. Your passion with music and singing made me feel at peace with ur voice whenever we would go to 9am mass and or family get togethers with music on the TV. Your style, hair, etc were inspirations to many, super sad that you had to suffer with what you were battling with but happy in the end that you united with christ. i know you’re looking over all of us and shining and singing up there like a beautiful star. i can’t wait to see you again titi, i love you. ~ shiann
There is not a moment in my life that I can recall that I didn’t know you. Meaning ever since I can remember you have been there, part of my family and now that you are with the the Lord I find myself with a hole that can not be replaced. It’s bittersweet but I know you are in heaven looking down, taking care of your loved ones as you always have.
In the meantime till we meet again, I have all the fond memories, all the times we played D&D, the parties, the music and my favorite out of all, the times spent together as a family.
As I write this I am about to embark weeks long trip into nature. I will be thinking of you and grateful to God that I had a chance to know you. Till we meet again.
Love you,
Miss you,
Joe.
Tengo muchos recuerdos de Amarilis. Fue una gran amiga y hermana que Dios me regaló. Todavia tengo cartas y fotos de Amarilis y las atesoro muy dentro de mi corazón. Compartimos muchos lindos recuerdos en la escuela elemental y luego en la intermedia. También los recuerdos cuando cantábamos cuando mami me dejo quedar junto con su familia. Que mucho disfrutamos ese día y donde único me dejaron quedarme de un día para otro. Gratos recuerdos aquellos cuando viajó a Puerto Rico y compartimos, que mucho nos reimos. Hablamos y le conté muchas cosas y nos pusimos al dia de las cosas que vivimos. Realmente extrañaré esos momentos que no volverán pero el recuerdo quedó grabado en mi mente. Amarilis siempre fue bien sincera y si tenía que decirme algo me lo decía porque le importaba nuestra amistad. Nuestra amistad fue más que una amistad pasajera, fue una amistad bonita de muchos años y que atesoraré para siempre. La recordaré como era, su risas y su sonrisa. Para mi fue la mejor amiga que pude tener y comadre. Su partida fue bien fuerte para todos los que la conocimos. Que descanses en paz Amarilis, mi hermanita, como siempre la consideré. Amarilis y su familia siempre han sido especiales para mi y mi familia. Les amamos y le enviamos un fuerte abrazo. Dios los bendiga.
Wilma Enid BurgosLe doy Gracias a Dios que la conocí y más importante hablarme de Dios y de la Fe. Siempre estará en mi corazón.
fhernirys jimenez115w
My Dear Lilly
Dear Lily 🕊️🌸💐
I begin by thanking God for allowing me to meet you. In the short time I spent with you I learned a lot from you. Not only did you become someone I could trust or confide my doubts or problems, but someone who always welcomed me ready to listen and give me good motherly advice. Your friendship made me strengthen my relationship with God. I don't have photos with you, but I do carry in my heart your smile, your words, and a beautiful rosary that you created especially for me, which I use every day to say my prayers because I know it was created with love and a lot of faith because you truly knew my heart and the person I was and always wanted the best for me.
Your departure was very hard for me since you were the closest person to me at work, I still feel you very close even though your not physically with us. I feel calm because I know you are happy and at peace in the arms of the Lord.
I will always and forever remember you because you were a very important person in my life and without realizing it you redirected me to a path of faith. 🙏🕊️🕊️
With Love Fher 💕💜
My sweet Lily, she was just a genuine person, and her faith and love for her children and husband and lord. She had this amazing smile and laughed when she would walk into work, and she was just a true friend. From the moment I met her at work I knew she was someone I could trust and open up to. She never judge you and always gave great advice. Words can't express how much I miss her and I can only imagine her family who she just loved unconditionally. Your always in my heart Lily always ♥️
Amarilys' Funeral
Mom's Speech at Dad's Diaconate Ordination Party (5/27/23)
