Maria Elena Valenzuela, 70, a resident of Lordsburg, NM, entered eternal rest Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Oro Valley Hospital in Tucson, AZ.  She was born on November 2, 1953 to her parents, Andres and Emilia (Tavizon) Valenzuela in Silver City, NM. 

Grandma Mary also known as Mary, Maria Elena, the Sargent, and Madea. She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, Nina and friend. She’s remembered for her strong will, independence, strict nature, loving and caring character. No matter what time day or night, you knew that going to her house you would have a place to rest your head and a hot meal to eat. She welcomed anyone and treated everyone as her own. From lectures to love, she did everything whole heartedly. For those of you who don’t know what the word Guadalupana means, it means a spiritual guide and a catechist means one who shares their faith commitment through word, experience and prayer. During her time as a Guadalupana, a catechist and active member of the church, that’s exactly what she did. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to attend/serve the mass, participate in catechism, attend church events, most importantly she taught us to pray and build a relationship with God. She has taught us, guided us, loved us and plays a part of who we are today.

She is survived by her two sons, Jason Jacquez (Marsha) of Lordsburg, NM and Leonardo Jacquez (Marina) of Lordsburg, NM; her daughter Jessica Jacquez of Lordsburg, NM; her sisters Gloria Mudge of Deming, NM, Ernestina Gonzales (Jaime) of Oracle, AZ, Toni Cittadini (Joey) of San Manuel, AZ, Dee Bejarano (Mike) of Las Vegas, NV; her twenty-two grandchildren, Aaron, Caesar, Emily, Cody, Alycia,  Adriel, Skyeann, KeiLani, Norma, Kalia, Jeremy, Maria, Ignacio, Evelyn, Karisma, Breeze, Emma, Dario, Lenny Jr., Penelope, Eden and CJ.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Andres Valenzuela and Pedro Valenzuela; her sisters, Jessie Ruis, Ramona Barboza, Josie Peterson. 

The Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (416 E 2nd St., Lordsburg, NM 88045) recited by the family.  The Memorial Mass will commence at 10:30am with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating.  The Inurnment will follow the mass at Shakespeare Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest near her father. 

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trust care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .