Mary Valdez

MARY E. VALDEZ, 76, a resident of Velarde, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2017 after a lengthy illness surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by husband, Ismael (Tito); parents, Ramon and Flora Archuleta; in-laws, Jose and Bernardita Valdez; brother, Joel Archuleta and wife Andrea of Phoenix AZ; brother-in-law, Bernado Valdez of Velarde, sister-in-law, Lorraine and husband Benerito Valdez of Velarde. Mary was a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara and husband Lino Herrera of Alcalde their children, Valerie and husband Leroy Archuleta of Rio Rancho, great-grandchildren, Alexandria and Daniel Joseph, son, Lino Herrera Jr. and wife Elisha of Chimayo; great-grandchildren, Lino III and Faith; her son, Jose and fiancé Frances Archuleta of Velarde, his sons, Fabian and companion Feliz of Velarde and Emilio of Española; her brothers, Oliver and Beatrice Archuleta and Adonice Silva of Grand Junction CO., and many other relatives and friends. Mary loved our Lord, attending weekly mass at the Espanola Valley Nursing and Rehab Center, where she lived for the past two years. She would set up the Altar for the Priest which she loved to do. Mary loved to have her family over to eat her delicious food. She was known for her Biscochitos which gave her the name “Biscochito Lady”. Mary was active as a volunteer for the Española Hospital Auxiliary until her illness. She loved playing Bingo at the Senior Center and at the Española Nursing and Rehab. She also enjoyed the Casino and going for outings with the EVN&R staff. She looked forward to having visitors, family and friends and lots of conversation with other people that visited patients in the facility. Public Visitation will begin on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home, with recitation of the rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A second rosary will be recited on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service will follow at The Velarde Catholic Cemetery. The family of Mary E. Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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