Anita Valadez

June 5, 1939 - December 27, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anita Valadez on December 27, 2024, at the age of 85, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 5, 1939, in Del Rio, Texas, she was the eldest daughter of 12 siblings. She graduated from Edgewood High School in 1958, attended nursing school and served as an LVN in the pediatric care unit at Santa Rosa Hospital.

She married the love of her life, Frank T. Valadez, on July 1, 1962, and dedicated her life to lovingly raising their four children.

Anita's passion for teaching and caring for others extended beyond her own children. For 16 years, she worked with infants at various daycare centers as a preschool teacher. When her first grandchild was born, Anita shifted her focus and devoted time solely to the upbringing and care of her grandchildren. With unwavering love and dedication, she would cook for them, and planned fun activities at the nearby park and in the backyard pool. Through her example, she taught them to embrace life with joy and enthusiasm. She adored her grandchildren.

Anita loved to cook, read, and learn. She also enjoyed working in her garden. She loved playing poker and other card games with her family, finding joy and connection in those moments. Her annual trips to Las Vegas, where she enthusiastically played the slot machines, were a highlight of her year and a cherished tradition with family. She was also an avid reader and was always looking for her next book. She enjoyed watching movies and singing along to her favorite music. She made the most of every moment and celebration.

Anita was a devout Catholic and deeply religious person. She was the model of strong faith and a wonderful example to all those around her. Her deep commitment to her Catholic beliefs was exemplified through her actions. She followed daily mass presented on the Catholic channel and recited the Rosary, often offering prayers for others before herself. Anita's faith and positivity gave her a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel valued and loved; her presence brightened up any room she entered. She will be remembered as a “prayer warrior” by those closest to her. She is survived by her husband: Francisco, her children: Frank, Rick, David, and Velma, and her nine grandchildren: Derek, Mercedes, Dillon, Jared, Leslie, Craig, Danielle, Paloma, and Ava.

A celebration of Anita’s life will be held on January 5, 2025, from 7:00-9:00 PM at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238.

A Rosary will be recited January 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 13715 Riggs Rd., Helotes, TX 78023. The funeral procession will follow at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian, 11624 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX 78253. Reception will follow the funeral services at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Parish Hall, located next to the church.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate to know her.

She lived by the words of the Serenity Prayer, always encouraging others to do the same:

Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.