Stella Valdez

Stella Marie Valdez, 97, a lifetime resident of Santa Fe, passed away on August 17th, 2024. Born on August 15th, 1927, she was the last descendent of Max Baca and Lolla Silva.  Stella passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones, after a brief illness. Stella was heavily involved in St. Ann’s church and would attend church faithfully with her family. 

Stella enjoyed being with her family, going to the Spanish Market to visit and sit in her son’s booth. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandson, attending all their milestones and lifetime events. She enjoyed dancing at parties with Ben, her husband, which they did well into their 80’s. She loved to eat out, walk around the park, she was always fashionably dressed and loved wearing jewelry. 

Stella is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Jose Benancio Valdez, daughters Isabel Valdez, Kathleen Kirby, brothers Gilbert Baca, Paul Baca (Rosina). Her sister Rosina Lopez, Brothers and Sisters in law Horacio Valdez, Vienes and Connie Valdez, Carlos Vaughn, Lillie Chavez, Benigno Giron. 

Stella is survived by her children who she adored, son Timothy Valdez, of Nambe, daughter Pauline Rivera of Santa Fe. Grandchildren Bryanna Rivera (Nick), Timothy Valdez Jr., Sonja Valdez, Jonathon Valdez. Great grandson Milo Schooley. Sisters-in-law Christine Baca, Evelyn Giron, Jenny Vaughn. Brothers-in-law Raymon Lopez, Marcial Valdez (Ademia). Special niece Robin Ortiz who would visit her regularly. Stella is survived by several other nieces and nephews and other family members too numerous to name. 

Services are to be held at St. Ann’s Church, in Santa Fe, on August 28th, 2024, at 10:00am, followed by a burial at the National Cemetery at 12:30pm.