Obituary of Justa Veliz

Justa (Mama Justa) Veliz Campos, 92, of Simi Valley California, passed away on December 1, 2017 in her home, surrounded by family from near and far.

Funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 1276 Erringer Rd on Saturday December 9 with a visitation starting at 10:00 am and a funeral service at 11:00am.  Reception to follow in the church hall.

Mama Justa “Matush” was born in San Pedro Ayampuc, Guatemala on April 28, 1925. Despite only having an elementary school education, she was a strong self learner and loved to study and discuss the Holy Scriptures. She left her home in rural Guatemala in her early teens for the city, where she developed a strong work ethic and started a new life for herself. She eventually met the love of her life, Carlos Campos also of Guatemala. They married and had three children; Juana Campos Leal, Carlos Enrrique Campos and Maria Del Carmen Campos. They enjoyed a happy marriage and loved their children. In 1981 at the height of the Guatemalan civil war, Mama Justa left Guatemala for what she thought would be a short time, to help raise her grandchildren in the United States. She returned to Guatemala in 1986 to care for her ailing husband Carlos and say her goodbyes. He passed away shortly after seeing her one last time. Mama Justa then returned to the United States to make a new life in her new country. She worked hard to become a US Citizen in 2004. She made many wonderful friends and was active in church. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. Many memories were made on road trips and camping trips together.

Mama Justa was a gentle soul who could fill a room with laughter with her brilliant smile and witty antics. She was the heart of her family. She loved gardening while listening to a large variety of music including classical, salsa, bachata and spanish pop. She loved cooking and trying new recipes. She loved celebrating her birthday and looked forward to her favorite dessert, brownies. She was kind to all and held a special place in her heart for animals and would often speak and sing to them. She was everyone’s “grandma”. Although she never became a fluent English speaker, she communicated with her smile, laughter and spirit in all languages.

Justa is preceded in death by her mother Simona Veliz and her husband Carlos Campos both of Guatemala. She is survived by her Daughter; Juana Leal and Son-in-law Jose Arnoldo Leal of Simi Valley, CA, her daughter Carmen Campos of Guatemala City, her son Carlos Enrrique Campos of Guatemala City, 13 grand children and over 20 great grandchildren all of who absolutely adored her and many of which helped care for her in her final years.

 The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who helped in her care throughout the years.