Bernie Valdez

Bernie (Bernardita) Valdez , age 84, a resident of El Llano passed away into the arms of the Lord, surrounded by her family on Friday, January 29, 2021. She was born on April 18, 1936 in Espanola. She was preceded in death by her husband, Felipe Valdez; her parents, Sotero and Angelita Olivas; brothers, Epifanio, Ernesto, Sereno and Ramon Olivas; sister, Mary Martinez; sons, Gabriel and Kenny Valdez; granddaughter, Erika Valdez; grandsons, Aaron & Gabriel Valdez. Bernie was a woman of strong faith; she was loving, compassionate, and always welcomed everyone with open arms into her home. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going to the casinos and going for long scenic drives. She was very honored to be a fifth generational family. She expressed her opinion freely and it was well accepted. She will be deeply missed by her family and fur baby, Betsy. Bernie is survived by her daughter, Sandy Dixon and husband Howard, daughter, Angela Vigil and husband Albert; son, Sotero Valdez; granddaughter, Victoria, who was like a daughter, and her husband Paul Apodaca; son Archie Valdez; daughter Rosie Marquez; sister, Dolores Martinez and husband Roman; 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz with a memorial mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial to follow at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz with the following serving as pallbearers, Howard Dixon and Paul Apodaca. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Victoria Apodaca, Valerie Paulk, Vanessa Peters, Marcos Vigil, Julie Holt, and Antonio Valdez. The family of Bernie (Bernardita) Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.