Klaraluz Velasco

Klaraluz Velasco, 73, of Laredo, Texas, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom early

Thursday morning, September 24, 2026, at Houston Methodist Hospital, surrounded by

her daughter, husband, and best friend.

Born and raised in Laredo, Klaraluz remained a cherished member of her community

throughout her life. She later moved to Mercedes, Texas, to be with her beloved

husband, David Vaughan, with whom she spent the last ten years of her life—years that

were truly her happiest.

Klaraluz left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She

was anything but ordinary, starting with her unique name. There will never be another

Klaraluz, our "Moon Princess." She lived life to the absolute fullest, spreading genuine

joy, warmth, and kindness wherever she went.

A dedicated educator, Klaraluz began her career teaching ESL at the Nuevo Laredo

City College, where she established lifelong bonds with students and colleagues who

stayed in touch with her for decades. She also taught English at local maquiladoras and

worked in retail while pursuing her higher education, ultimately earning her bachelor’s

degree from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in 2009. Following her

graduation, she served as a devoted English teacher at United South High School until

her retirement. Beyond the classroom, she was an active civic leader who served as a

board member for the Gateway Clinic.

Klaraluz will be remembered as a vibrant "rebel without a cause," but always with the

purest heart. She was refreshingly authentic—she always said what she meant and

meant what she said. Above all, she possessed a fierce and boundless love for her

family. Her devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren knew no measure. She

especially cherished traveling from Mercedes back to Laredo for the holidays,

meticulously scheduling long, heartwarming visits with the many friends and family

members who meant the world to her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Armando Velasco, with whom she is

now joyfully reunited; her father, Firmato Cardenas; and her sister-in-law, Betty

Contreras.

Klaraluz is survived by her loving husband, David Vaughan; her daughter, Lourdes

Villarreal (Edgar); and her beloved grandchildren, Carolina Villarreal, Cassandra

Villarreal, and Samuel Velasco.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Mimi Carrillo; her siblings, Celia Tijerina

(Armando), Felipe Contreras, Juan Contreras (Angeles), Jesusita Molina (Jose),

Carmen Mendez (Javier), Antonio Moreno (Maria del Rosario), Felipe Moreno, Juan

Moreno (Clara), Silvia Cotto (Hector), Maria Fernanda Olveda (Raul), and Jose

Cardenas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, former students, and lifelong friends.

The family extends special gratitude to her best friend, Monica Perez, and her nieces,

Ofelia Gallegos and Liza Contreras, for their steadfast love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in

Klaraluz’s honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

In honor of Klaraluz, visitors and guests are kindly asked to wear pink.

Anyone wishing to bring flowers is kindly asked to bring one pink rose.

Service dates and times are pending for more information please call Hillside Funerals & Cremations (956) 724-6060.