Tiffany Velez

Tiffany Ann Velez, age 38, passed away on December 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. A memorial service celebrating Tiffany’s life will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. A visitation with family and friends will take place one hour prior to the service.  

She was born on August 31, 1987, in Chicago, Illinois, to her loving parents, Celines Mitchell and Israel Velez. Tiffany was, above all else, a deeply loving and devoted mother. Her children, Brianna Budzash and Brayden Budzash, were the center of her world and the greatest joy of her life. Everything she did was guided by her desire to protect, nurture, and prepare them for the future. Tiffany was not only a mother, but a teacher, mentor, and steady source of wisdom, never hesitating to speak truth and encouragement into her children’s lives. Her words, lessons, and love will continue to guide them for years to come.  

An introvert at heart, Tiffany found her greatest comfort and happiness at home, surrounded by those she loved and cared for most. She cherished quiet moments, meaningful conversations, and the simple peace of being with family. She had a deep love for classic Hip Hop, Rap, and R&B music, often finding solace and joy in the timeless sounds that spoke to her soul.  

Though soft-spoken in demeanor, Tiffany was a very outspoken individual when it mattered most. She was known for her honesty, her insight, and her ability to offer wisdom drawn from life experience. Those who knew her admired her strength, her resilience, and her refusal to shy away from speaking what was right and true—especially when it came to her children and those she loved.   Tiffany was also a hardworking and dedicated employee, proud of her work at Taco Bell, where she showed commitment, reliability, and a strong work ethic. She took pride in providing for her family and gave her best effort in everything she did.  

She is survived by her beloved children, Brianna Budzash and Brayden Budzash; her parents, Celines Mitchell and Israel Velez; her siblings, Leslie Velez and Israel Velez, Jr.; her uncle, Victor (Valerie) Villalobos; her cherished grandfather Manuel Villabos; her loving aunts, Eva Riveria and Rosie Saunders; her cousin, Jodie (Bill) Lavery; her loving boyfriend, Ron Johnson; and her best friend, Tisha, who stood by her side through life’s joys and challenges. Tiffany also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will forever treasure her memory.  

Tiffany Ann Velez will be remembered for her fierce love, quiet strength, and the profound impact she made on the lives of those closest to her. Her presence was a gift, her love a constant, and her memory a blessing that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.  

Please sign the online registry and leave a personal condolence for the family. 

Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory has the honor of being entrusted with the arrangements.