LUGARDA G. VALDEZ, of Ojo Caliente, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, January 12, 2015. Many people say there is nothing like a mother’s love, and they are right. Our mother was a wonderful person who showed love to everyone she came in contact with. She was caring, and beautiful inside and out. She loved life, her family, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren and her friends. Our mother taught us to live life fully, passionately, bravely and courageously, just like she lived. She was the best mom and friend. The best ever laughter were the ones shared with Mom. The best food was made by Mom, the best family gatherings were with Mom and the best ever hugs and kisses were from Mom. Her greatest pride and joy came with the arrival of her grandchildren, for whom she cared for and loved deeply. Now the purest and most beautiful angel is simply “YOU”. We love you and miss you lots! Mother was the best. She raised us to be strong, just as she was. She was always praying to Saint Anthony for miracles for her children and grandchildren to always keep them safe. She would always tell us “I Love You” and “God Bless You”. She was a member of “Holy Family,” which she received in her home every month. She was born to the late Jesus and Bersabe Gonzales. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Valdez; son, David Valdez; sisters, Manuelita Naranjo, Elizaida Gallegos, Noberta Ceballos; brother, Octaviano Gonzales. Mrs. Valdez is survived by her children, Joe R. Valdez (Theresa), M. Lucille (Mitch), Leroy Valdez (Laura), Bertha DeVargas (Phillip), Dolores and Cecilia Valdez, Danny Valdez (Cindy) and Theresa Valdez and grandson who was raised as a son, Nathaniel Valdez; one grandson whom she raised, Mitchell LeBlanc; she has several beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren that loved her very much; her favorite dog, Coco who she loved so much; sisters, Tillie Robinson and Celina Gonzales and several nephews and nieces. Public visitation will begin on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ojo Caliente. Burial to follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Raymond, Nathaniel, Leroy, Danny, Theresa and Leroy Valdez, Jr. Mitchell LeBlanc and Andrew DeVargas. Honorary pallbearers named are her grandchildren, Steve, Melissa, Patricia, Crystal, Joey, Phillip, Jr., Daniel, Michael, Vanessa and all her great-grandchildren. The family of Lugarda G. Valdez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.