Iris was born on March 10th, 1947 to Andrea Alvardo Laboy and Pascual Martinez Rodriguez in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico.

She wed Roberto Velazquez of Ponce and went on to have 6 children, Roberto Velazquez, Gloribel Velazquez, Modesto Velazquez, Aida Iris Velazquez-Rodriguez, Idalis Soto, and Maritza Gutierrez.

Iris was a passionate caretaker, always filling her home with warmth and kindness. Throughout her life, she helped in raising her siblings and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her grandchildren. She was viewed by many as a second mother. Iris was a woman of faith who prayed for all her family and friends, daily. She was a woman of small stature but had a huge personality. She was charismatic, loving, and always knew how to make you laugh. We will miss her greatly.

Iris was predeceased by her parents, 5 siblings, and 6 nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband, 6 children, and 11 grandchildren: Francheska Rodriguez, Edgardo Morel, Jazmine Diaz, Enrique Gutierrez, Josmarie Colon, Ayla Morel, Moses Velasquez, Ramon Anthony Diaz, Franklin Manuel Rodriguez Jr., Aaron Velasquez, and Erik Diaz and her 5 great-grandchildren: Aiden Reyes, Leilani Ramos, Sofia Matos, Luna DeJesus, Donovan Colon. As well as her 16 siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family who she loved dearly.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 29, 2021, from 4-8 pm at The Flynn and Son Funeral Home. 424 East Ave. Perth Amboy, NJ, 08861.

Funeral services will begin Tuesday November 30, 2021, at 10:00 am at the funeral home, followed by a 10:30 am funeral liturgy at Our Lady of Fatima.

Interment will follow in Alpine Cemetery, Perth Amboy NJ.