Mary Age - 88 Española Valdez

Mary Valdez, 88, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 after suffering from Alzheimers/Dementia for several years. She was a resident of Española, born and raised in Dixon, NM. Mary graduated from Dixon Parochial as Valedictorian of her class; attended Highlands University where she received her teaching certificate. She went to work in Los Alamos and there she met Pete. They got married in 1947, and were married for 44 years. Together they owned and operated the Tepeyac Café for about 15 years. Mary was active in church activities at Sacred Heart belonging to Sacred Heart Society, Altar & Rosary, Marriage Enrichment, Cursillo, Weekends of Christian Living and Catechism teacher. She was a godmother to numerous friends, family & neighbors. She enjoyed being a Foster Grandma and joining her friends at the Senior Center for lunch and Bingo. Mary’s love, faith & humility were a great example to her family and all who knew her. She was the matriarch of the family and will be truly missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro C. and Genoveva Gonzales; husband, Pete Valdez; grandson, Carlos Vigil; sister, Dulcinea Vigil; son-in-law, Fred Martinez. Mary is survived by her three children: Linda Martinez, Pete Valdez and wife Dorothy and Vickie Valdez; niece that she considered like a daughter, Olivia Blanco; other nieces/nephew she helped raise: Glorianna Cortez, Gloria Mendibles and Emilio Gonzales; her granddaughters: Maria Elena, Jeanie, Melanie, Lynn, Lucia, Beverly, Jennifer and Valerie; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Beroniz Ortega; several nieces, nephews, cousins & godchildren. Public visitation will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a wake service to take place at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Española with interment to take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. serving as pallbearers: Emilio Gonzales, Ralph Vigil, Isaiah Garcia, Daniel Salazar, David Lujan and Peter Dinh; honorary pallbearers: Jimmy Gallegos, Charlie Vigil, Gilbert Olguin, Eddie Jacquez and Justin Salazar. The family of Mary Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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