Lucy Valverde

02/02/1930 – 02/27/2025

Lucy Valverde, a beloved member of the Stockton community, passed away on February 27, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born Lucy Dela Riva on February 2, 1930, in Oakley, California, to Frank and Angela Dela Riva. Lucy was the second of five children, with two sisters and two brothers. At the tender age of 16, she crossed paths with the love of her life, Ben Valverde Sr. Their love story led them to elope on September 14, 1946, and they exchanged vows in the Catholic Church on November 10, 1946. Together, they built a beautiful life in Stockton, California, and were blessed with three children: Antoinette, Jeanne, and Ben Jr.

Lucy and Ben's marriage spanned an incredible 75 years, a testament to their enduring love and commitment. Their union was honored with a Papal blessing and a special blessing from Bishop Cotta. Lucy will always be remembered for her warm, welcoming smile and her unwavering friendship. She dedicated over 25 years of her life as an Eligibility worker for San Joaquin County. After retiring, Lucy became an active member of various social clubs, but her true pride and joy were the "Forties Girls." What began as a simple lunch with two high school friends blossomed into a gathering of over 100 ladies from the Stockton area.

Lucy's Annual Forties Girls Picnics and Christmas Parties became legendary, expanding to include husbands, daughters, and friends. The "Forties Girls" even gained recognition in the Stockton Record. These social events were filled with laughter, prizes, and homemade afghans that Lucy lovingly crafted herself. She had a generous spirit and delighted in giving, no matter how small the gift—a scarf, candy, or anything to ensure that no one went empty-handed.

Lucy is survived by her daughters, Antoinette (Toni) Coffer of Florida and Jeanne Valverde, as well as her seven grandchildren: John Navarro (Andrea) of Oklahoma, Jeff Navarro (Amy) of Lodi, Jennifer Doll (Charles) of Modesto, Jason Navarro of Stockton, Kevin Coffer, Derek Coffer of New York, and Ben Valverde III (Ignacia) of Santiago Chile. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Quinn Navarro, Ashley Sandlin (Justin) of Oklahoma, Daniel Downer, Alexis Downer, Christian Doll, Faith Doll of Modesto, Alison Navarro of Arizona and Rafael (Rafa) Valverde of Santiago Chile, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ben Valverde Sr., her son, Ben Valverde Jr., her son-in-law Ken Coffer, and her grandson Keith Michael Coffer.

A visitation to honor Lucy's life will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. A Rosary will take place at 5:00 PM on the same day at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, located at 601 N California St, Stockton, California 95202. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Luke Catholic Church, situated at 3847 N Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204. Following the Mass, Lucy will be laid to rest at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, located at 719 E Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204.

Lucy Valverde will forever be cherished and remembered for her loving heart, her infectious smile, and the lasting impact she made on the lives of those around her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.