Roberta Valdez, our beloved and cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, was taken away from us all too soon on March 23, 2024, at the age of 54. She was a resident in Rio Rancho, NM.
To all who met her, Roberta was smart, a hard worker, and known for her bottomless heart (she genuinely cared about the wellbeing of others), courage (she put on her armor when needed and forged on), her passion for various things (she gave it her all), and hopefulness during trying times (she never gave up). Roberta formed many close relationships throughout her life and had many different circles of friends. She was a cheerleader and mentor in various capacities to her nieces, other family members, friends, and colleagues and encouraged people to be their best and pursue their goals.
Roberta loved spending time in her yard enjoying the beautiful sunsets and view of the mountains. She spent countless hours tending to her garden and turning her yard into her own "desert oasis". She loved animals and in addition to adopting four dogs and two cats herself, she was said to be the heart of the New Mexico Boston Terrier Rescue where she dedicated much of her free time assisting various rescues in finding forever homes for their animals. She also enjoyed painting on canvas and created beautiful art that she displayed in her home.
Roberta, "Birdy" to her family and close friends, is survived by her mother, Adelaida "Lillian" Valdez, her father and his wife, Alfredo and Gloria Valdez, her sister and her sister's husband, Ina and Monte Fischer, her nieces, Kaitlyn and Breanna Fischer and Breanna's husband, Jonathan Susemihl and their children, Theodore and Leora Susemihl.
The family will have a Celebration of Life for Roberta on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at French Funerals- Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM. Lunch will be served following the service.
If it is on your heart, there will be a donation box with proceeds going to New Mexico Boston Terrier Rescue.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more