Veronica Pelaez

On June 09, 2024, Veronica Pelaez passed away peacefully at her home in Elizabeth, AR, following a long illness. She was 56. Veronica was born on April 13, 1968 in Queens, New York, to Paquita Balderson and Edgar Pelaez.

She graduated from Coronado High School in El Paso, TX, and attended the University of West Georgia, attaining her M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology and becoming a licensed professional counselor. Veronica was a passionate, empathetic person who loved her family, her friends, and traveling. She spoke English, Spanish, and French, and after briefly studying at the Université Paris 8, she traveled extensively throughout France, particularly the Provence region.

She loved the beach and the sounds of the surf. Her enthusiasm for life was evident in the mementos she collected of the many places she had been. Her sensitive nature and her desire to help others led her to pursue careers in school counseling and group therapy before becoming an appeals auditor, where she provided problem-solving solutions and coordinated mental health services for members dealing with providers, claims, and appeals. Veronica was also an avid pet-lover. She often took in strays and used her social media contacts to find them homes.

She is survived by her partner, Richard Turner, of Temple, GA; her parents, Paquita Balderson, Ashland City, TN, and Edgar Pelaez, Houston, TX; her sisters Nathalia, (Rodger), Berthoud, CO, Claudia, (Robert), El Paso, TX, and Nicole, (Robert), Seattle WA; her stepsisters Jill, (Mike), New Brighton, PA, and Jodi, (Jon), Sewickley, PA; her stepbrother Mark (Mariah), Tomball, TX; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her stepfather, Carl Balderson.

Veronica chose not to have a traditional service; a private Native American drum circle will be held instead. Special thanks to both Jennifers, Cristal, Cynthia and the staff from Hospice of the Ozarks, who provided loving care in Veronica’s final days. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity that supports animal rights or works to prevent animal cruelty.

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