Sonia “Chofis” Valadez, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born September 18, 1951, in Mexico City, Mexico, to Esperanza and Bernardino De La Vega, Sonia came to the United States at age nine and made Pasadena her lifelong home. She attended Pasadena schools and met her forever love, Nicolas Valadez, at Blair High School; they married December 22, 1973, and built a beautiful family with their children, Sofia and Luis.
She adored her five grandchildren, Bernie, Suzie, Raquel, Penny, and Cassius. She loved cooking, knitting, crocheting, bowling, and sharing family traditions along with an infectious laugh and beautiful smile.
She lovingly created handmade treasures for family and friends, proudly signing each one, “From the knitting needles of Sonia.” She never forgot her roots, remaining connected to her family in Mexico and passing down cherished traditions and recipes. Most importantly, Sonia never let her children or grandchildren leave without a blessing—a tradition young Cassius lovingly carried on, patiently waiting for his “Amen.” Sonia leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, family, and traditions that will live on through every generation.
