Del Norte resident Valentina Valdez, went to her eternal rest on December 31, 2019 in the company of angels with her loving family by her side. Valentina was welcomed into the world on June 27, 1921 in Cerro, New Mexico, the beloved daughter of Porfiria Cortez and Ysidoro Arellano. United in marriage to the love of her life Abe Valdez on July 12, 1968 in Del Norte, Colorado, Valentina lived an extraordinary life with Abe devoted to caring for him and their family. She was a member of A.M.B of Antonito, Holy Family Society, St. Anthony Parish, S.B.I.C of Del Norte. A selfless and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Valentina enjoyed being in the mountains and spending as much time as she could with her family and friends.
She will live on through her sons Juan Vigil of La Junta, CO; Michael J. Vigil of Del Norte, CO; step-daughters Marcella (Frank) Gonzales, Martha Hagan, daughter-in-law JoAnn (Phil) Sanz, 16 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 39 great-great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-great-grandchildren, sister Ursula Vigil of La Garita, CO; brother Abad "Joe" Arellano of Fairfield, MT. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Valentina was preceded in death by her parents Ysidoro and Porfiria Arellano, sons Patricio and Alfonso Vigil, sisters Urselita, Maria De La Luz, Secarita, Bernabe, Odulia, Josephina, Cordelia, Carmel, Elsira, brothers Celso, Antonio, Celedonio and Antonio.
A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM also at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Del Norte Cemetery