CHRISTINE V. VALDEZ

CHRISTINE V. VALDEZ Surrounded by her family, Christine V. Valdez, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister entered our Lord's presence on Friday, December 16, 2011 after a courageous and valiantly fought battle with a chronic illness, and most recently, cancer. Her family honored her last wish to spend her final days in the comfort of her own home. Her final days at home were filled with all the elements that had shaped her life; family, friends, prayers and love. It is for this reason that her family is content in their sorrow, taking comfort that she lives in their hearts. Christine touched the lives of all that knew her. She will always be remembered for her smile, sense of humor and wit, strength, bravery, and honesty. Born Christine V. Ortega on January 20, 1947 to Alejandro and Josefina (Griego) Ortega. She was the oldest of two daughters. Christine graduated from Santa Fe High School where she met the love of her life, Phillip Valdez. Phillip and Christine were married on May 11, 1968 in Santa Fe. And since then have been inseparable. They resided for over 35 years in Tesuque, NM, before moving to Las Cruces seven years ago. Christine loved to spend quality time with her loving family and cherished friends. She enjoyed spending time with her husband in the kitchen Friday afternoons, having her glass of wine while he cooked, and listening to music. In her younger days, Christine loved to dance. Her great joy in life was spending time with her three grandchildren whom she adored. She was known for always putting other needs before her own, and would ensure that you never left her home without food or drink. For her family and friends it is a testament to her legacy and the power of love giving us the resilience to navigate the blessed complexities of life. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Phillip Valdez of the family home; daughter Monica (Alfredo) Montoya, grandchildren, Marisol, Carlos, and Paloma; sister Diana (Nick) DeSantis, niece Marisa Valdez and fiancé Tim Rivera, Tio Adelaido (Yolanda) Griego, special Tia Cecilia (Anastacio) Griego, and many deeply cherished cousins and friends. Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Alejandro and Josefina Ortega. Cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass and celebration of life will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, December 29, 2011 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, 1240 S. Espina Street, and will be celebrated by close friend, Father Jose Vigil. Inurnment of cremains will take place at a later date in a private burial in Tesuque, NM. Urn bearer will be her daughter, Monica, with honorary bearers being family members, Arthur Valdez, Jose Valdez, Tom Valdez, Richard Martinez, Alfredo Montoya, and Henry Catanach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to La Posada — Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005 Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road. 527-2222 To send condolences online log onto www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com