Lenamarie (Kinney) Velez
Lenamarie (Kinney) Velez, age 63, of Erie, died on Friday, March 7, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was born February 22, 1962, in Erie, a daughter of the late Arnold and Eleanor (Kopcznski) Kinney. Besides living in Elkton, VA for a few years, she lived in Erie most of her life.
Lena had a passion for people. She worked as a manager in numerous stores throughout her life and made many friends while serving the public. Lena’s most precious treasure was her children and grandchildren. She dedicated her life to loving and caring for them. She managed to have a unique and special bond with each of them. Always making sure they knew she was their biggest fan. She also had a special relationship with her nieces and nephews. Whether you called her Mom, Nana, or Aunt Lena, she always had words of affirmation and endless love to give! She always showed gratitude, gave generously, and helped anyone in need. She experienced more loss and heartache than she deserved but oh was she loved beyond measure! No matter what she went through she carried a beautiful light inside her that warmed everyone around her. Can’t forget to mention how fun she was to tease. Always a good sport during her family’s shenanigans.
She is survived by a son, Richard Velez; a daughter, Jamie Velez (Bubba); a very special niece, Jordan Hawse, and daughter-in-law, Nicole Velez. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dominic Chylinski, Angellena Velez, Mila Velez, Nelson Pencille III, Christopher Godel Jr. (Mandie); a great grandson, Rohan Godel; a brother, Michael Kinney; her former husband, Richard Velez, and a huge family of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and in-laws that loved her very much.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Kopcznski; two sisters, Barbara Joint, and Karen Hawse; a brother-in-law, Damond Hawse; a very special niece, Megan Hawse; her father-in-law, Jose Velez, and sister-in-law, Nora Velez Kutterna.
Thank you to everyone who cared for and loved on our Mom during her journey with cancer. In honor of her wishes, no calling hours will be observed. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Askins Cremation Funeral Services, 8354 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA 16509.