Henrietta Mondragon

Henrietta (Henri) Carolyn Mondragon was born on July 15, 1950 to Felix Velasquez and Mary Lou (Peralta) Velasquez in Holbrook, Arizona. Henri was the oldest of four children and would help raise her siblings as a second mom for most of her childhood and into her late teens. These years were crucial for her as she learned responsibility and dependability at a very young age. Extracurricular activities were not an option while both parents worked. Her fondest and most cherished memories from her youth were loading up with her brother and sisters and going on trips to visit her beloved Aunts, Uncles, and cousins in McNary, Southern California, and New Mexico; or even a local outing with relatives nearby. These memories have always been near and dear to her heart.

As Henri transitioned from middle school to high school her creative juices started to flow. Whether it be decorating for family functions, helping her mom with a church event, or whatever it may be. She would also find her calling and passion, doing hair. Whether it was for a sibling, relative, classmate, or community member that would let her; she would and did. While at Holbrook High School she would build bonds and friendships that lasted her lifetime. She adored her class of "68" and was proud to be a Holbrook Roadrunner.

After graduating Henri moved to Phoenix to attend beauty school. After receiving her license she would begin her 45-year love aff(h)air; serving her clients and the community until she could no longer.

In 1971 Henri would meet the love of her life, Efren Mondragon. They married on April 15, 1972 and began their 51 year adventure together. Through thick and thin, ups and downs, and everything in between, her love never wavered. She loved her husband to her very last breath. Together they would raise two children Elena and Evan, whom they taught the values of love, kindness, compassion, loyalty, and service. The greatest gift they could give their children is the love of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Her greatest joy came from the eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild she was blessed to have.

Henri enjoyed serving her church. She would do anything to raise funds when needed. She helped with Christmas floats, Oktoberfest, fashion shows, or dinners. Henri never met a stranger. The first time you met her it was like she had known you for years. She enjoyed dancing, social gatherings, loved to laugh and entertained. Oh, and she never lost to a bottle of Jose Cuervo.

Henri's infectious, bright, and loud personality will truly be missed. As Henri would say after each appointment, "There you go beautiful!"

Henri was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Mary Lou Velasquez, and brother, Teddy Velasquez. Survivors include her husband, Efren Mondragon; children, Elena (John) Anderson and Evan (Nikki) Mondragon; grandchildren, Jordan, Roman, Bianca, and Brock Anderson; Ava, Brielle, Caillat, and Cruz Mondragon; sisters, Anna Maria Velasquez, Felicia (Velasquez) Herbert.

Services will be held with a Rosary at 12:00 p.m. and a Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m., on January 13th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, located at 225 E Arizona St, Holbrook, AZ 86025.