Lilly Valdez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Grandmother Lilly Valdez, 74, of Albuquerque, New Mexico who peacefully departed on July 17 th , 2025.

Lilly was a devoted mother, grandmother, nina and friend, known for her delicious New Mexican dishes like her one-of-a-kind Green Chile, Enchiladas, Tacos with homemade Chile Piquin.

Born on March 1. 1951 in Gallup, New Mexico to Guadalupe and Beatrice Espinosa.

Lilly was the second youngest of ten children. She attended St. Francis catholic school in Gallup. She spent her younger years waitressing at Paljoys in Gallup.

Lilly married Anthony Valdez and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She became a mother to her only daughter (Valerie) but would brag that one daughter blessed her with four grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She devoted her life to being a mother and grandmother.

She retired from Elastimold/Thomas & Betts after 25yrs and spent her new found free time pouring more of her love of being a grandmother in her great-grandchildren.

Lilly was not only a mother and grandmother; she was the definition of a good woman. The strength, integrity and love she poured into her family is something to be admired and will be deeply missed.

Survived by her daughter Valerie Valdez. Granddaughters, Nichole Sandoval, Desiree Duran (Husband Joe), Alize Valdez. Grandson Manuel Leyba. Great grandchildren, Silas, Nevaeh, Nicholas, Selah, Evony, Jovie, Kiara, Manuel. Great Great Grandaughter Italy. Brother Joe (Wife Darlene), Sisters Pauline (Husband Freddie), Nona (Husband Lawrence) along with a beloved cousin Anita, several nieces and nephews and dear friend Rosemary (husband Anthony).

Preceded in death by her mother Beatrice Espinosa (Padilla) her father Guadalupe Espinosa, sisters Sylvia , Madelynn “Pee wee”, Lorraine, brothers Johnny, Felix and Eddie.

Memorial service will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church 5712 Paradise Blvd NW,

Albuquerque, NM 87114 on Friday August 1, 2025 at 9:30am.