Elma E. Valdez

  It is with great respect and admiration that we remember and celebrate the life of Elma E. Valdez, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and cherished friend, who passed away at the age of 90 in her home in El Guache. Elma's journey began in April of 1934 in Los Ojos, New Mexico, where she was born to Pedro Antonio Madrid and Maria Ignacita Archuleta y Madrid, as the third of four siblings. Her legacy is one of dedication, resilience, and an enduring love for her family and community. 

  After graduating from Tierra Amarilla High School in 1952, Elma pursued a degree in business administration at Pueblo Community College. She then moved to Santa Fe in 1958 with her close cousin, Belinda Casados (Mosely), with whom she shared a lifelong bond of friendship. Over the years, Elma worked a variety of jobs, starting at Levine’s Department Store on the Santa Fe Plaza, later managing U&R Cafe in Santa Fe, and managing a Fina gas station across from Tesuque Pueblo. A pivotal career shift in the mid-1970s saw Elma start bartending, first at Maestas Bar in Cuyamungue, then at the Pueblo Lounge in Pojoaque. Her journey continued as she managed the Steak Corral Saloon in Jacona and co-managed the Mel Patch Saloon in Espanola, and ultimately became the bar manager at the Espanola Eagles Club. She finished her professional life in the softline department at Walmart in Espanola. During her lifetime she made countless friends and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

  Elma’s heart found a deep love and companionship when she met Juan P. Valdez in 1980. Their marriage was one of the happiest chapters in her life, and their time together was filled with joy and love until his passing. She later made her home in El Guache, where she lived out the remainder of her years. 

  A woman of deep faith, Elma was a charter member and past president of the Espanola Valley Eagles Club Women’s Auxiliary. She found joy in traveling, visiting local casinos, and, most importantly, cherishing the time spent with her family. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable, and her legacy will live on through them. 

  Elma is survived by her younger sister, Melita Madrid, her first-born son, Benny Lujan, and her son, Darel Madrid (Alice), along with her grandchildren Lorraine (Josh) Leyba, Benito (Christa) Lujan, Antonio (Tiffany) Lujan, Michael (Carolina) Lujan, Aryanna Lujan, Diego Madrid, Justin (Judy) Herrera,and Vangie Money and Julian (Jolene) Money as well as her great-grandchildren Enrique, Gabriel, Andres, Carlos, Martina, Tristan, Glorianna, Antonio, Cierra, Cenessa, Zayden, Raelynn, John Paul, Julian, JJ, Layla, Brandon, Matthew, and Xavier. Great-great grandchildren Adelina and Aziel. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews and numerous cousins who held her dear. 

  Elma was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Maria Madrid, her brother Carlos Madrid, her sister Loyola (Frank) Candelaria, her cousin Belinda Mosely, and her husband's Terry Davidson and Juan P. Valdez. She was also preceded by her special friend Beatrice Samaniega, whom she loved dearly. 

  The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to Holly Olivas, Elma’s caregiver, who was deeply loved by her and considered family. Additionally, they wish to extend their gratitude to Father Dominic Pearson of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish for his prayers and anointing, and to the congregations of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and San Juan Bautista Parish for their prayers and support. 

  A Rosary will be recited Saturday April 26 at 10:00 am followed by a Mass at San Jose Parish in Los Ojos, followed by a burial next to her father at the family house in Los Ojos. 

  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Diego Madrid and Aryanna Lujan. 

Elma’s family has entrusted the services of Rivera Family Funeral Home. (505)753-2288