Ysabel Marie Rey Velarde

Ysabel Marie Rey Velarde

Ysabel Marie Rey Velarde, 27, left this world to be with our Lord and Savior on April 11, 2025. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 1, 1997, Ysabel was the beloved daughter of Diego and Yvette (Rey) Velarde, and cherished sister to Victoria and Diego Estevan.

As a child, Ysabel was bright, spirited, and curious. From an early age, she was full of energy, imagination, and had a talent for making people laugh. As she grew older, Ysabel became known for her adventurous spirit, deep compassion, and uncompromising authenticity.

Ysabel was a timeless beauty, but her true beauty came from within. She had a nurturing personality and a fierce loyalty to those she loved. Ysabel was known for putting others’ needs before her own, always striving to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her empathy extended to everyone she met—from friends and coworkers to strangers, children, animals, and those experiencing hardship. She had a heart for the homeless, the lonely, and the forgotten.

Ysabel was incredibly brave, caring, and hardworking. She was passionate about animals and spent time at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter as both an employee and volunteer, where her love and care shined through everything she did. She also worked at Izanami Restaurant, where her warmth and kindness made her beloved by staff and patrons alike.

In February 2022, Ysabel fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to San Francisco. During her time in California, she worked at The Freight & Salvage, a nonprofit music venue in Berkeley that reflected her deep love of the arts. Most recently, Ysabel had returned to her hometown of Santa Fe and was currently working as Donor Services Administrator at the Lensic Performing Arts Center.

An old soul with a creative heart, Ysabel had an affinity for all things classic. She enjoyed old movies, vintage clothes, and timeless music—everything from blues and jazz to classic country, ’90s rock, and hip-hop. She was a talented photographer, with some of her work even being published in 100 Things to Do in Santa Fe Before You Die and Historic Movie Theaters of New Mexico by Jeff Berg.

Ysabel was just as gifted in the kitchen as she was behind the camera. She took joy in creating and savoring good meals, often using food as a way to show her love for others. She found happiness in the simple things—reading, listening to music, collecting vintage keepsakes, and exploring the world around her.

Ysabel loved the outdoors and felt most alive in nature. She camped and hiked in forests across New Mexico and road-tripped throughout the western United States, with Zion National Park and the Big Sur coast among her favorite places to visit.

Ysabel is survived by her parents, Diego and Yvette Velarde; her sister, Victoria; her brother, Diego Estevan; her grandparents, Fred and Roberta Velarde; grandparents Alfredo and Cathy Rey; and grandmother, Virginia Rey; and Ysabel’s beloved dog, Cody. She is also remembered with love by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Ysabel’s life was full of deep beauty and tenderness. She gave so much of herself to the world and leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and grace. Although her time with us was cut far too short, her positive impact will be felt for generations to come.

She will be missed more than words can express, and loved always. We look forward to the day when we once again can hug our Ysa.

For every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11.

A celebration of Ysabel’s life will be held May 01, 2025 with the Rosary 5-6 pm and Memorial 6-7 pm at Rivera Family Funeral Home. Funeral Mass to be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Main Church May 02, 2025 at 11 am, Burial to follow. Reception to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter or an organization of your choice that supports the homeless, reflecting her compassion for animals and those in need.