On December 2nd, 1966, Velen married the love of her life, Daniel "Danny" Maldonado.  They lived as lifelong residents of Sanger Ca. and loved their community.  Together they raised their sons, Manuel "Manny" and Daniel "Bebes" and were the best grandparents to Amanda and Jenna Maldonado.  Velen was not only a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, she was Aunt "Billie" or Aunt "Velen" to many nephews and nieces who she dearly cherished.  She was also a lifelong friend to many who she met and continued those friendships until her passing.  She loved both her immediate family, but also cherished her husband's family, who she was already friends with.

Velen was devoted to serving her Lord and Savior.  She volunteered at St. Mary's Parish and participated in both Catholic Daughters and the Altar Society.  Velen and her husband Danny loved being part of St. Mary's parish, together they enjoyed reading during the Mass, and guided her children to follow their lead in service to the Church.  She proudly watched her children complete their journey through the sacraments, while they also served as altar boys.  Her love and influence were passed onto her most cherished grandchildren who accompanied her to many church and local community events and completed their sacraments at St. Mary's.  She loved greatly and was in return greatly loved.  She lived with an open heart and an open door to her home.

Velen worked for Dr. Lee as a receptionist and later went to work for the Sanger Unified School District in Food Services at Del Rey Elementary.  While at Del Rey Elementary, she followed her faith and helped a less fortunate family who lost their mother and father.  She not only befriended and helped these children and opened her home to one of them.

Remaining to cherish Velen Maldonado's memory are her children, son Manuel and daughter in law Allyson Maldonado, and son Daniel Maldonado.  Her grandchildren, Amanda Maldonado and Jenna Oneal and her husband DeJonte Oneal.  Her siblings, brother Raymond Avalos and his wife Hanne-Laura, sister Rita Munoz and her husband Mike Munoz.

She is preceded in death by her husband Daniel Maldonado, her parents Manuel Avalos and Juana Carlos, her brother's Ruben Avalos and Ernest Avalos.