CHICOPEE - Victoria Denise (Arrighi) Velez, of 21 Coolidge Road in Chicopee, passed away after a long fight with cancer.

She was born March 21, 1951, and was raised in Easthampton. She lived in Holyoke and Chicopee. She was lovingly known as Denise to her family and as Vicki to her friends. She was the daughter of John and Lucille (Lapan) Arrighi Sr., both deceased.

She graduated from Easthampton schools and Holyoke Community College with an associate's degree in hotel and hospitality.

She was employed by Holyoke Community College in food service for many years and was well-known to the college community. In recent years, she worked in manufacturing for Callaway Golf.

She leaves two loving sons, Joseph Velez of Florence, and Christopher Velez of South Hadley. She is survived by her sister, Barbara, of Northampton; by her brothers John Jr. of Northampton, and David of Southampton; by several nieces; beloved grandson Cameron Velez; numerous cousins; and her cat, Autumn.

She was predeceased by her brother Richard, and partner, David Smith.

Denise will be remembered as a warm, self-effacing and loving woman who went the extra mile to think of others. She was kind, funny and enjoyed an occasional spree at Foxwoods. She was a member of the Northampton Safari bowling league.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mercy Hospital Fund Development Office, 271 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

There are no calling hours. A private funeral will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Bridget's Cemetery in Easthampton. The O'Brien Funeral Home, 17 Clark St., Easthampton, has been entrusted with the arrangements.