Alvelda "Velda" Louise Duree

Alvelda “Velda” Louise Duree, 71, passed away peacefully, with hands held and affirmations of love by her daughters, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Edina, Minnesota. Born on August 30, 1954, in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of Mary Priscilla Duree (Jordan) and Gerald Garfield Duree. She lived a life full of love and laughter for her family, kindness within her community, and faith in God. Velda was an incredibly dedicated and independent woman who strived to make life better for her and her two girls. She worked her way up from a file clerk to an Underwriting Manager, and worked for many insurance companies throughout her life, consistently adding to her community with each new role. She retired in the state of Texas in 2019 and moved to Minnesota in 2025 and actively petitioned that her two girls should live close together again.

Velda took immense pride in, and is survived by, her two daughters; Loretta Louise Sigala (Burbank, CA), and Maria Teresa Perez-Ware (Edina, MN); and their husbands, whom she loved as sons, Christian “Chris” Ever Sigala and Robert “Rob” Morgan Ware; and especially in her six beloved grandchildren, Evan Manuel Perez, Haylee June Ware, Sofia Teresa Perez, Ever “EJ” Jordan Sigala, Sadie Clara Sigala, and Lillian “Lian” Elora Gwen Ware. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth “Tish” Smith (Eagan, MN); and her brother, Tom Ferraro (Tucson, AZ).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Priscilla Cooley (Jordan), Gerald “Gerry” Garfield Duree, and Imogene “Jean” Duree; her brother, Jerry Wayne Duree; and her sister, Helen Audrey Duree.

Velda was the youngest of her siblings and was ambitious in life. She was a cheerleader and took part in the Drama program at Topeka West High School, in Topeka, KS. After graduating, she was travel bound and moved to California. She learned to surf and met incredible, life-long friends. She married Eleodoro Gomez and had her first daughter, Loretta. Shortly afterwards, she moved to Mexico and learned to speak Spanish. She adored and embraced her new family, welcoming everyone with her infectious laugh and can-do attitude, and soon it would be time to move back to Topeka, KS to have their second daughter, Maria.

Velda never knew a stranger and despite her small stature, was fierce in her faith and was a loyal church member and Deacon. Velda lived in several states, regularly developing a community around her everywhere she went, creating a second family. She will be remembered as Velda to her friends, as VeVe to her six grandchildren, and as Mom to her two daughters.

While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the love, wisdom, and countless memories she gave us. She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends who cherished her, and a legacy of kindness in all the lives of everyone she has touched. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:23

A small Memorial Service will be held with her eldest daughter, Loretta Sigala and her family, on Friday, August 7th from 7 to 9 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Burbank, located at 521 E Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA, 91501. A light reception to follow. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

A larger Memorial Service and Celebration of Life Ceremony will be scheduled with both daughters along with their families, to take place in Minnesota, sometime late August 2026. Details to follow. All family and friends are welcome to attend.