Elvia Valdez

Elvia L. Valdez, 71, of Penasco was called home by Our Dear Father on August 26, 2009, after a courageous battle with lung disease. She was born and raised in Chamisal and attended Penasco High School before becoming a dedicated military wife for 22 years while living in various parts of the country. Elvia lived her life of faith with love and support for her husband and family. She took pride in being a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She loved making ceramics, crocheting, sewing, baking, gardening, and tending to her abundant flowerbeds. She had a huge heart full of pride, love, and compassion for her family and many friends. She was a caregiver to her special needs granddaughter for 12 years. She will be missed by all that knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fermin & Irene Lucero of Chamisal, her sister, Isabel Lucero of Los Angeles, CA, her brothers, George Lucero and Manuel Lucero of Chamisal and two infant children. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, retired Chief Master Sargeant Octaviano A. Valdez, and their ten children: Yvonne Arellano (Nelson), Colorado Springs, CO; Edwin Valdez (Eunice), Valdez, Rita Valdez, Rio Lucio, Gloria Valdez, Highlands Ranch, CO, Derwin Valdez, Los Lunas, Joey Valdez, Penasco, Rudy Valdez (Elizabeth), Chamisal, Valerie Valdez (Manuel Sandoval), Taos, Derrick Valdez (Vickey), Ft. Knox, KY; and Melissa Lopez (Joseph), Albuquerque. She is further survived by 26 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and one very special granddaughter, Ciara Barela. Elvia is survived by her sisters, Lillian Pacheco (Adonio) and Irene Lucero (Albert Cordova) all of Taos and numerous nieces and nephews. Rosaries were recited on August 30 at Rivera Chapel and on August 31 at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco. Funeral mass for Elvia Valdez, 71, of Penasco was held on September 01 at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church with interment following at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.