Dolores Esther Valdez
( June 29, 1941 – May 9, 2024 )
Dolores Esther Valdez, age 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 29, 1941, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Dolores was the cherished daughter of Ernesto and Adelmira Martinez.
A dedicated scholar, Dolores graduated from West Las Vegas High School in 1959 and from Highlands University in 1963 with a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Her passion for education led her to Wagon Mound, New Mexico, where she began her illustrious teaching career. Dolores later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she inspired countless students as a biology teacher at Rio Grande High School. As her children grew, Dolores furthered her own education, earning a Master’s Degree in Education from Highlands University. She then continued her teaching career in Raton, New Mexico, where she devoted over 30 years to teaching elementary school children, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Dolores was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, nanny, and Nina. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, survived by her daughter, Annemarie (her husband, David) Gelb, and her grandchildren Amelia and Adam. Her son, John Paul (his wife, Carmen) Valdez, and her grandchildren Joaquin, Kira, Rome, and Siena. Dolores is also mourned by her sister, Judy Ortiz, her brother, Ernest (his wife, Gloria) Martinez, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
One of the many blessings that Dolores received throughout her life was her trip to Rome, Italy where she witnessed the canonization of St. Pio of Pietrelcina and her visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. She also enjoyed many friends from her parish at St. Joseph in Raton, New Mexico, and at St. Clair in Surprise, Arizona. Dolores’s faith and fellowship at St. Joseph and at St. Clair brought her immense joy and a deep sense of community.
She is preceded in death by her Father, Ernesto Martinez, her Mother, Adelmira Montoya Martinez, her sister, Eleanor Louise Daricek, and her brother, Alfonso Martinez. She is also preceded in death by her in-laws Don Ortiz, Esther Martinez, and Richard Daricek.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Rob Yaksich, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A reception will be held at the historic Castaneda Hotel, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her remarkable life.
Dolores Esther Valdez’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her commitment to education, her love for her family, and her zest for life will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her presence.
