Elaine Greta Valadez

Elaine Greta Valadez née Nielsen passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her home on May 1, 2025. Elaine was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 27, 1927 to Peter Nielsen and Irene Bergendahl. She relocated to Southern California at the age of seventeen. She married Forrest Sarff in 1949 and they welcomed two beautiful children; Kathy and Mike Sarff. She later married Tony Valadez in 1966 and they spent most of their married years in the San Diego area. Elaine worked in hospitality, sales, and real estate. When Elaine retired, she remained very active in numerous organizations and charities. Some of which include The United Methodist Women's Organization, The Red Hat Organization, and The South Bay Democratic Party. Elaine was an associate member volunteering for New Entra Casa which helped women recover from addiction. Elaine was also very involved in church. She attended Nestor United Methodist Church in Imperial Beach for many years as well as The 1st United Methodist Church of Chula Vista. She enjoyed singing in the choir while also attending bible study and serving various causes. Elaine enjoyed traveling, reading, shopping, going to the movies, and watching TV. She enjoyed listening to music and has a tasteful record collection. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her children and grandchildren. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, sister Beverly Nielsen, son Michael Sarff, and two granddaughters Julie and Cindy Cutrell. She is survived by her daughter Kathy Passmore (Spokane WA), three granddaughters Lori Aquino (Spokane WA), Becky Province (Covington WA), and Christina Parker (San Diego CA), three grandsons Forrest, Daniel, and Cody Sarff (San Diego CA), fourteen great grandchildren; Christian, Michelle, Cheyenne, Eric, Hailey, Ian, Emmalee, Nicole, Caiden, Bella, Ricky, Macie, Forrest, and Adalynn, six great-great grandchildren; Carleigh, Ryleigh, Holleigh, Faith, Bayleigh, Daniel Jr. and many nieces/nephews, cousins and friends. Her laugh, her stories, and her love of life touched us all. The world just won't be the same without her. A memorial will be held at Miramar National Cemetery Friday June 13th at 12:30.