Forever in our hearts
Grace G. Valdez was born February 27, 1927 and went home to heaven January 6, 2021.
Grace was born and preceded in death by her parents Frank and Anita Garcia. She was also proceeded in death by her husband Leo Valdez, her son Ralph Valdez, her granddaughter Alicia Valdez and her brothers; Orlando, Isaac and Tito Garcia.
She is survived by her daughter Vivian (Tom) Riechert, son Leo (Theresa) Valdez and daughter Valerie (Higinio)Martinez. Grandchildren include: Sharman(Jason) and Jason Riechert; Ivan (Kay), Jeremy(Kelly) and Tomas Valdez; Nina and Pedro(Charmaine) Valdez; Liz (George) Galvan and Higinio (Olivia)Martinez. Great grandchildren: Alysse(Miguel) Salas, Vince and Griffin Valdez, DeeJay, Eliseo and Amalia Valdez and Lucas Galvan. She is also survived by her sisters; Viriginia (Mario) Hernandez, Lucy (Jerry) Smith and Sisters-in-Law Chon LaBrier and Tiofila Valdez, Uncles Fidel and Mark Gutierrez, numerous beloved nephews and nieces and friends.
Grace was born in Ojo Caliente and had many beautiful memories of her childhood there. Their family later moved to Tierra Amarilla where she met the love of her life, Leo. She attended grade school in Tierra Amarilla, High School at McCurdy and college at Highlands University in Las Vegas NM. She became a teacher and then married Leo. They began their lives in San Francisco, CA where Leo was stationed at the time. They had Vivian and Leo Jr in California and then moved back to NM to have two more children, Ralph & Valerie.
Grace worked for the Federal Government for 35 years at Farmers Home Administration. In that time she helped numerous families get loans to finance their homes, farms and ranches. After she retired from the government she decided that she wasn’t ready to “stay home” so, she went to work for the City of Espanola for another 5 years. She also worked at Hacienda De Salud as a night auditor while her mother was in residence there.
She was married to Leo for 53 years and after he passed away she moved to Farmington, NM and established a new life there to her last. In Farmington she became very involved with the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center and taught arts and crafts there for several years. She also became very involved with Saint Mary’s Alter Society and loved her time serving, praying and socializing with her new friends.
Grace was very passionate about many things and always took pride in doing things meticulously. She loved feeding people; she loved children and never met a stranger. She was “Lady Bug” to her grandchildren; always buzzing around in their business! She was a hard worker and never had an idle moment. She is now resting with her Savior and will be greatly missed by all.
“Every blade in the field – every leaf in the forest – lays down its life in its season as beautifully as it was taken up.” Henry David Thoreau
Grace will be greatly missed by her family. Please keep the family of Mrs. Valdez in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Also we encourage family and friends to share their condolences and memories by visiting riverafamilyfuneralhome.com
Public vistitation will be held at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola, New Mexico on Monday, January 11, 2021 from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Due to covid restrictions there will only be small groups allowed at a time.
A holy rosary will be prayed for Grace on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the Holy Cross Santa Cruz catholic church at 11:30am followed by the mass.
Interment will be on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 ath the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
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About |
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| Name | Grace Valdez |
| Date of Birth | February 27th, 1927 |
| Date of Death | January 6th, 2021 |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Española | |
| Cemetery | Santa Fe National Cemetery | |
| Address |
501 North Guadalupe Street Santa Fe NM 87501 United States |
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published a tribute .
Leo, Vivian, and other family members: I was very saddened to hear of your mom's passing. She was a lady whom I admired and had a lot of respect for. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Always a friend, Michael A. Martinez, Alcalde, NM
published a comment .
Leo, Vivian and Valerie
It is with deep sadness to hear about your loss of your beloved mother. Our condolences to all of you. Great memories of your Mom.
Tony and Marylou Chacon , Srevilleta N.M.
published a comment .
Leo, Vivian and Valerie
It is with deep sadness to hear about your loss of your beloved mother. Our condolences to all of you. Great memories of your Mom.
Tony and Marylou Chacon , Srevilleta N.M.
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Ralph and Vivian
My deepest condolence on the loss of your Mother. She was a beautiful soul
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Leo, Vivian and Valarie. My condolences on the loss of your mother. She was a beautiful lady. She helped me buy my first home in Meadow Acres. Always ready to help everyone. May she RIP. ♥️
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published a tribute .
Danny Jeff Chris Amanda Farrar
Our deepest condolences. Our families were very close growing up and we will always treasure our memories of Grace. She was a truly an amazing person.
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published a tribute .
Vivian, Leo and Family, I send you my deepest condolences and prayers, in the passing of your beloved Mother. Please extend them to the rest of your family members. She had what seems a very fulfilled life. May she rest in peace with our Lord by her side. (Vivian you and I went to school together)
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published a tribute .
With deepest sympathy for your loss. Grace was a good neighbor, when she lived in Velarde, NM., a good Board Member to the organization of the American Business Women. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May you find comfort in your memories.
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published a tribute .
Our deepest condolences. Ms. Grace indeed was a beautiful, truly and amazing lady. Prayers for you all. May She Rest In Peace and Fly With the Angels.
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published a tribute .
So sad to hear of Grace’s passing. She was such a kind lady. Rest In Peace.
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published a tribute .
Leo, Theresa, Valerie, and family:
I’m sending my deepest sympathy to all of you in this time of need. May God comfort all of you and show is love. Grace was a special lady to so many and she will be dearly missed. May she Rest In Peace.
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published a tribute .
To Leo & Theresa
We are so sorry for your loss,
How lucky you were to have had your mom so long.
She is now in her other home , HEAVEN,
And someday you will all be together again
Que Dios les Vendega
Pres &. Maria
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published a tribute .
So sorry for the Loss of Grace Valdez, she was always a kind and Beautiful lady.
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To Grace Family:
My sympathy on the death of Grace. She was a wonderful person that I knew many years ago. May she rest in peace with our Lord and her family that has gone beyond.
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Sad to hear about the beautiful lady.
Grace was a great friend, may God bless her family. Sylvia salazar
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Martinez and Valdez Family
Our Deepest condolences, on the loss of your Mom, May our Dear Lord bless you and keep comfort in your heart, Know that she is in the Loving arms of our Lord.
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Dearest Viv, Leo and Valerie. I carry so many happy memories of your Mom as we were growing up. My heart is broken. I love you and pray for her peace.
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published a tribute .
Valerie and Family, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your Mom was always very nice, she is now at rest in the hands of our Lord.
Jackie (Medina) Salazar
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published a tribute .
Dear Valdez Family,
Our sincere condolences. We were so sad to hear of my cousins passing. Our thoughts and prayers during these days of mourning. We will always hold fond memories of Grace and her wonderful life well lived.
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published a tribute .
To Leo and all of Grace's family, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Prayers in the days ahead.
published a comment .
Leo and Family, so sorry to hear of your mother's passing keeping you in my prayers.
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published a tribute .
Dear Leo and Family,
May our Lord comfort all of you and keep you safe during this time, and always.
With my deepest and heartfelt sympathy .
Molly Gabaldon
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published a tribute .
Vivian, Leo, Valerie, and the entire Valdez family, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. I will always remember your mother’s smile and her kindness.
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published a tribute .
Condolences to the Valdez family. Grace helped so many of the ranchers in her job. She was missed when she retired. Although most have passed, the families remain so grateful. Continue your beautiful life with our Lord.
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Leo and Theresa,
My condolences on the passing of your mother. God Bless your family...
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Leo, Valerie and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember your mom always being so gentle and kind when we would visit as a child. May all the great memories help you thru this heartbreaking time. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
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