Susan Lee Valade

The light of our family, Susan Lee Valade passed away peacefully with her loving husband of 63 years Jerry and daughter Jenny by her side on January 9th, 2024, she was 81 years old. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. To those who knew her, she was truly an angel on earth.

She was born on July 4th, 1942 in Kansas City Missouri to Edward and Gladys Goodlive. She is survived by her sister Janine Edmister and brother Lawrence Goodlive.  Her family moved to Albuquerque New Mexico from Denver Colorado when she was 13 years old. She lived in Albuquerque until she graduated from Sandia Highschool. Her senior year she met the love of her life Gerald Valade. After dating for two weeks Jerry asked her to marry him, he was on leave from the U.S. Navy. They were married August 20th, 1960.

She then took on the role of devoted military wife moving around the country and creating a beautiful home life for Jerry to return to after his tours of duty overseas. She supported his military career until he retired after 20 years of service to the United States Navy. Susan loved her country, believed in the constitution which was evident by her birthday, born on the 4th July.

In 1964, she gave birth to their son Jeff, who was born with a rare syndrome, and at the young age of 22 she took on the role of caregiver to a uniquely challenged child. In 1966 she and Jerry adopted a ten week old baby girl Jenny who would later give birth to her only grandchild Sienna Clark. Then in 1969 she and Jerry gave birth to an adorable Daughter Laura who was also medically challenged with rare diseases. There are no words to describe the depth of the love and devotion she gave to her husband, children and granddaughter. She took care of Laura until she passed at 25 and Jeff until he passed at 52. She never wavered in support or complained about her challenges even after contracting stage 4 cancer herself and surviving 21 years after diagnosis.

She and Jerry moved back to Albuquerque in 2005. She was an avid gardener and loved animals. She was a devoted volunteer at the Albuquerque Bio Park and Zoo for many years.

No matter what she faced she was unwavering in her love and support of her family and friends with an ability to inspire others with her quiet, calm, and loving demeanor. She will be dearly missed and will forever be held in our hearts. Her life celebration will be held in the spring when all of the beautiful flowers are in bloom. Date and time to be determined.