Vera Valdez

Elvira (Vera) Valdez, 73, a resident of Ranchitos and currently living in Rio Rancho, passed away, surrounded by her family on April 11, 2023 after a long illness. Vera was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, auntie, mentor, teacher, and advisor. 

Vera is preceded in death by her son, Michael Valdez; mother, Ramona Valdez; grandfather, Belarmino Valdez; brothers, Lorenzo Valdez and Leroy Valdez; brother-in-law, Leon Sanchez; companion, Richard Dominguez; beloved aunt, Elena Valdez; like brother and sister, Belarmino “AB” Valdez and Lorida Valdez; and many other special aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Our beautiful Vera left us with the memory of her infectious laughter and her love for life. She was a woman of great faith and devotion, a compassionate human being, was hardworking and humble. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and never missed family events or gatherings.

Vera was a public school teacher for over 30 years. She begin teaching at Mesa Vista and later moved to Fairview Elementary where she retired in 2006 to help care for her ailing mother. Vera used her high intellect and compassionate heart to better her students’ academic lives doing so in quiet, amazing, and steady ways. While teaching at Fairview, Vera belonged to the National Reading Association and was endorsed in both Bilingual and ESL Education.  She ended her career teaching in the Title 1 Reading/Language Arts Program teaching students in grades K-3. Vera could always be found participating in the school’s extracurricular activities; assisting during basketball games by manning the door, keeping score, running the clock, etc.

While at Fairview Elementary, Vera introduced the Foster Grandparent Program. Thanks to her hard work, Fairview was awarded five positions filled by grandparents. They were hired and assigned to various classrooms to work with special-needs children. Vera then worked with Northern New Mexico Community College to introduce a GED Program to the Foster Grandparents that were interested in getting their GED certificates. Not only did she introduce and roll out the program, but she also taught the GED classes.  All the grandparents at Fairview participated in the program; the eldest grandma was 89. Three grandparents completed all the program requirements and ultimately received their GEDs.

Vera's love for teaching was so evident, and her teachings impacted students for lifetime achievements. One of her students commented upon learning of her death: "I can't express how much her time and effort teaching me math and science when I was a kid has meant to me. It wasn't just about numbers and equations, but about the way she showed me how to work hard, be patient, and never give up. Those lessons have stayed with me all these years, guiding me through life's challenges and helping me to achieve my goals. She had a positive impact on my life that cannot be measured."

Vera taught catechism for many years at Fairview Elementary, Sacred Heart Parish, Holy Cross Parish and Santa Maria de la Paz Parish in Santa Fe. She organized many First Communions, special masses, and other activities for the children.

Vera is survived by her son Anthony Baker (Diana); sisters Diana Quintana (James), Bernadette Sanchez (Gilbert), and Janet Sanchez; brother Bobby Valdez (Laura); sister-in-laws Maria Lourdes Valdez and Stella Valdez; daughter-in-law, Jolene Ramsey; Gloria Garcia, Kathy Valdez, Ralph Valdez, and Tony Valdez who were like brothers and sisters. Her grandchildren Mariah Valdez, Ashlynne (Jaquen), Anthony Jr., and Alexander Baker; great-grandchildren Amaya and Elijah Hunter. Her nephews, Mariano, Justin and Fabian Valdez, and Christopher Quintana. Nieces, Cristella and Felice Valdez, Candie Arellano, Sobie Toledo (Dominic), Patricia Quintana and Anna Sanchez; grandnieces Brianna Valdez, Serenity Toledo, Amaris and Mireya Arellano, and Ezekiel Trujillo.

Public visitation will be Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 9:30 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. Rosary will follow at 10:00 am and funeral mass at 10:30 am with a private burial to be held at a later date. 

Serving the family as pallbearers are Mariano Valdez, Christopher Quintana, Justin Valdez, Fabian Valdez, Julio Garcia, Ezequiel Garcia, Melaquias Valdez and Isiah Valdez. Honorary pallbearers are Diana Maestas, Norma Vigil, Elvia Rodriguez, Suzanne Ortega and Inez Gutierrez. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital. 

The family of Vera Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations in Santa Fe. (505) 989-7032 – www.riverafuneralhome.com