Obituary of Mary Filomena Valdez

Mary Filomena Valdez, 71, was called home to be with our Lord on June 23, 2013, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Mary spent her final days in the comfort of her home surrounded by family. Mary was born June 9, 1942, in Sanford, Colorado to Jose Gerardo and Maria Dorothea Lucero, the youngest of nine children. Mary grew up in Sanford, Colorado and called this home until moving to the East Coast in the late 70's. She has lived in Adelphi, Maryland for the past 31 years. Mary lived for her children, even on the last days her eyes would light up whenever one of her grandchildren came over. Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and she to them. Mary always found time for her kids and would do anything for them. It is this love and conviction for family that she will be most remembered for. Mary was an excellent cook and well known for making the most delicious enchiladas, people came from far and wide just to get a taste of her enchiladas. Mary also had a love for life and a generous heart, she loved to entertain and if you needed help she was always there to offer a hand. She will also be remembered for her involvement in the community with the Homemakers Club and the Red Hat Society. Mary is survived by her husband Crescencio Valdez; her daughters, June Williams, Janet Valdez and Janie Trapp; by her sons-in-law, Anthony Williams and Harry Trapp Jr., by her grandchildren, Devin Trapp, Luke Williams, Thomas Valdez, and Madeline Trapp; by her sisters, Mary Ann Ocaña, and Olive Brown, by her mother-in-law, Lucy Valdez; by her sisters-in-law, Lucille Lucero, Lilly Lucero, Martha Suarez, Beatrice Valdez and Olive Valdez; by her brothers-in-law, Edon Ruybal, Enos Valdez, Demetrio Valdez, Chris Young, and Luis Suarez, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial celebration of Mary's life will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, 4902 Berwyn Road, College Park, Maryland 20740, Thursday, June 27th at 11:00 am, with a Viewing from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Graveside service will be held at George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783. Reception will follow at the Valdez residence. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Holy Cross Hospice for going to such great lengths to provide the best care for our mother. A special thank you to the Pallbearers: Enos Valdez, Chris Young, Clayton Young, Anthony Williams, Harry Trapp Sr., Harry Trapp Jr., and Joe Green. Online condolences may be made at www.rappfuneral.com