Josephine Valdez

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Josephine T. Valdez, who departed her earthly life on February 16, 2025, at the age of 95. Known to many as Josie, she was a vibrant woman who cherished her strong Catholic faith in the Lord and her family more than anything else.

She was born and raised in Vallecito, NM, above the pueblo of Abiquiu. As a very young woman she left to work in Arizona. Upon her return she met and later married her husband, Eliseo Valdez, on May 9,1951. Josie was a highly active stay at home mother. She was a Stanley Home Product sales representative where she made many friends with the many parties and customers she had. She was a March of Dimes Chairperson for the Espanola Valley, and an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary, and of the Espanola Women's Club. She was also in a bowling league for several years and found time to earn her GED all while raising her six children. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, walking daily, and used her beautiful voice by singing in the choir at Holy Cross Church and with a senior citizens group.

Josie loved spending time with her family and was always there for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews. She was loved deeply and will be deeply missed by all.

Josie was preceded in death by husband Eliseo M. Valdez Jr., Parents Jose C. and Belen Trujillo, sisters, Cordelia Trujillo (Infant), Eulalia (Lala) Garcia, Rosie McCall and Louisa (Lou) Evans, and brothers Floyd Trujillo and Jimmy E. Trujillo, and granddaughter Miranda E. Martinez. 

She is survived by her children Johnell Young (Robert), Leonard Valdez (Cindy), Elaine Martinez, Larry Valdez (Rosalie), Joseph Valdez (Rachel), Jacqueline Rodriguez (Cesar), and sister Frances Martinez. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Services will include two Rosaries, One on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 6:30pm and on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6:30pm. Both will be held at Rivera's Family Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, with the interment to follow at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

The Pallbearers are Jason Young, Jeremy Valdez, Justin Valdez, Christopher Valdez, Joshua Valdez, and Christian Romero.

Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, would like to thank the family of Josephine Valdez for their trust. (505)753-2288