Dr. Linda Kathleen Velasquez

Dr. Linda Kathleen Velasquez (nee Lunt), 74 years old, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on July 20, 1948, the second child and second daughter of Catalina Gonzales and James Arlow Lunt. This is a celebration of Dr. Velasquez’s rich and joyful life, full of adventures, a large family with nieces and nephews who adored her, and friendships and connections with people and patients from all walks of life.

Survivors: Dr. Velasquez is survived by three sisters, Victoria McCormick, Alice Fletcher, and Patricia Holguin; her sisters’ spouses, Larry McCormick, Richard Fletcher, and William Holguin; her nieces, nephews, and spouses, Elaine Gustafson (Christopher), Matthew Valdes (Christine), Erica Fletcher (Cory), and Richard Fletcher; three great-nieces, Claire, Grace, and Emme Gustafson; and four great-nephews, Ethan (Eva) and Abram Valdes and Noah and Luke Gustafson.

Career: Dr. Velasquez attended Texas Western College (UTEP) where she received a degree in Medical Technology. She received her medical degree from the University of California at San Diego, specializing in Pediatrics.  She also received a Master of Public Health from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Velasquez stayed in California for most of her career, primarily in the Los Angeles area, serving poor and disenfranchised families in Los Angeles County clinics and hospitals. She also spent some time In Monterey County, California, where she became Public Health Officer, serving migrants and low socioeconomic families. One of her principal concerns was maternal health. In 2006, Dr. Velasquez moved to El Paso, TX, and opened Presidio Pediatrics.

Hobbies: Dr. Velasquez loved animals—she also loved people, but she really loved animals, especially cats. She also loved the outdoors, joining the Sierra Club in California and donating to many animal and climate organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the ASPCA. She was an avid Democrat and at one point served as a Democratic delegate in California.

Legacy: Above all, Dr. Velasquez loved her family and the many people and children that came into her care. She was a role-model and a teacher, with a dry, ironic sense of humor. Dr. Velasquez will be remembered, honored, and loved forever.