Jenny Valdez

Jenny Zamora Valdez



Jenny Zamora Valdez passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 24, 2024, at the age of 96. Jenny was a beloved and extraordinarily loving matriarch, the beating heart of her family, and a loyal friend. Raised in Torreon, New Mexico by parents Pedro Zamora and Gricelda Garcia Zamora, at age fourteen Jenny moved to Santa Fe to attend the Loretto Academy. She lived in Santa Fe for the rest of her life. She married Lorenzo (Larry) Valdez, and together they raised four children.

Jenny was hardworking and deeply involved in her community. When, after 54 years, she retired from her work as the supervisor of the Enrolling and Engrossing office at the New Mexico State Legislature, she was the longest-serving employee at the Legislature. In 2007 she was recognized by the 48th Legislative Session of the House of Representatives, sponsored by the House Speaker Ben Lujan, for her exemplary career, which included participating as a staff member in the NM State Constitutional Convention, holding the record of serving the most speakers of the house, serving under three House Chief Clerks and four Legislative Council Service directors. During her tenure, she was appointed by Governor Bruce King on the Accountancy Board and Governor Gary Johnson on the Cosmetology Board. She loved working for the legislature and was a devoted Democrat.

A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong active member of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and served for 26 years in the St. Francis Altar Society. She served enthusiastically on the City of Santa Fe Sister Cities Committee, which brought together her love of Santa Fe, travel, and connecting with others. During her lifetime, she was also active in the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, the March of Dimes, and the Santa Fe Opera Guild.

Jenny was joyful, deeply generous with her family and friends, and a wonderful cook. She had excellent style and loved travel, dancing, parties, and the color pink.

Jenny is survived by her children: Barbra Valdez (Jay) Quade, David (Jayne) Valdez, and Marla Valdez (Johan van Waveren); her grandchildren: Kirstin (Claire), Gratianne, and Emeric Valdez Quade, Sienna Valdez, Ayvret van Waveren; step-grandsons Andy (Melissa) and Mason (Jessica) Kovac; great-grandchildren: Lena Benedetto, Deluvina Valdez Quade, Mateo, Adam, Jaxon, and Mayleigh Kovac, and by many nieces, nephews, godchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Danny Valdez and her former husband Lorenzo Valdez.

Her funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis in Santa Fe on Wednesday, March 20 at 10am, preceded by a Rosary at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers please consider making a gift to Growing Up New Mexico, a nonprofit serving children and families. To donate in Jenny's memory, please visit their website at growingupnm.org or send a check to Growing Up New Mexico at 440 Cerrillos Rd. Suite A. Santa Fe, NM 87501.