Marie H. Valdez

Marie Valdez left this world on September 17, leaving behind her loving husband of 54 years, Joe Valdez. They were blessed with three children: Genevieve Jasso, Bernadette Valdez, and Joseph A. Valdez Jr., with eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Marie was born on September 7, 1950, in Gilroy, CA, to Henry and Ernestine Martinez. The family moved to Southern California while Marie was still a toddler. She spent the first part of her life in La Habra, CA, where she attended elementary, junior high, and her first years of high school. Marie's sweet, outgoing personality enabled her to make friends easily. She cherished those friendships, staying in contact with her childhood girlfriends throughout her life. In the summer of 1965, the family relocated to Downey, where Marie attended Downey High School. Marie met Joe in the summer of 1966. Joe was spending the summer visiting his older sister, a neighbor of Marie's family. They were engaged by Christmas and were married on August 12, 1967. They were each other's best friends and were inseparable. The young couple purchased their first home in Santa Fe Springs, where they raised their family. Marie loved spending time with her family; she enjoyed traveling and spending time at church. Marie's strong devotion to her Christian faith was a guiding force and comfort throughout her life. Her thirst for knowledge kept her reading scripture daily. Always willing to lift a person up in prayer, offer comfort to others and share her beliefs. Marie's caring nature brought joy to those who knew her. A passionate music lover, Marie's record collection and knowledge of 60's music was vast. She could hear a few notes of a song and tell you the artist and name of the song and what label it was recorded on, and some trivia about the artist or group. Artistic by nature, Marie also enjoyed decorating, sewing, crafting, and baking. She loved learning about the family history and was the family's keeper of photos and stories. After their children had married, Joe and Marie moved to Colorado Springs in Joe's home state of Colorado. During this time, Marie went back to school and earned a degree in Nutritional Science. They returned to California, where they spent their retirement years near their children and grandchildren. Marie is survived by her mother, Ernestine Navarro of Hesperia. Marie was the eldest sister and leaves behind four younger sisters and three younger brothers. Many nieces, nephews whom she loved and encouraged throughout their lives. She also leaves several aunts, uncles, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Henry Martinez, stepmother Gloria Martinez, and older brother, Henry David Martinez. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.