Valdez, Epimenia (Eppie) D.

Epimenia (Eppie) D. Valdez, age 89, the foundation of our wonderful family, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11th, 2017. She was born on May 17th, 1927 in Las Vegas, NM to Francisco and Isabela Delgado.

Eppie was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Isabela; her brothers, Jack and Chris Delgado; and her beloved son, Kevin Valdez.

She is survived by her loving husband, Fred Eloy Valdez of 69 years; her brother, Pedro Delgado and his wife Luisita Delgado-Valdez; sister-in-law, Rose Valdez; and brother-in-law, Benny Pena. Eppie was the proud matriarch of 5 children, Jerry Valdez, Gene Valdez and his wife Juanita, Ken Valdez and his wife Cheryl, Jeff Valdez and his life-partner John Patterson, and Irita Valdez and her husband Patrick Smith; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Doug and Beth Valdez, Dori and Bryan Haddock, Andrea and Gabe Ramos, Danita and Jaime Pina, Eric Valdez, Kendra and Michael Brown, Lindsey Valdez and Isabela Valdez Smith; nine great-grandchildren, Max Valdez, Chloe Valdez, Darby Haddock, Addie Haddock, Andrew Ramos, Olivia Ramos, Quinn Pina, Joshua Pina, and Dillon Pina. As the proud owner and administrator of Kiddie Kollege preschool and kindergarten in Grants, New Mexico, she made a lasting impression on many students and families. She was a devoted member of Beta Sigma Phi in Grants and Los Lunas. In addition to her professional pursuits, she was an excellent seamstress and artist. Her trademark style was as unique and charming as her personality; Eppie always dressed to the nines, complimented with the perfect hat! She was a devout Catholic with unwavering faith. Among the countless positive attributes she possessed, Eppie’s drive, entrepreneurial nature, fearlessness, and loving heart will be the most remembered. She cared dearly for her family and friends. Eppie and Fred traveled the world. One could often find her researching the next trip to place on her calendar. Her passion for travel and exploration of cultures influenced many. She could incite wanderlust through simple conversation. Eppie was an inspiration to those lives she touched.

Please join us for a celebration of her life on Monday, January 16, 2017 at San Clemente Church in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Visitation with the family will take place at 9:00 AM, with recitation of the Rosary to follow at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, with a social gathering to follow in the San Clemente Reception Hall. Please visit Eppie’s online guest register at www.RiversideFunerals.com Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of

Los Lunas, 820 Main St. NE, (505) 565-1700.