Liliana Valverde

September 17, 1942 - February 18, 2023

Equipped with a clear and direct attention, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Liliana always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Liliana was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges. A true Matriarch.

Liliana was born on September 17, 1942 at her home. In San Jose, Costa Rica. Her parents were Rafael and Yolanda Valverde. Liliana was raised in a small town called el pueblo de Escazú. Always able to express herself well, Liliana possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Liliana learned at an early age to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Liliana was able to relate well with others. Liliana was raised with six siblings. Johnny, Maritza, William, Rafa, Sonia, and Jimmy. Liliana had a strong desire to lead, as she learned at an early age to be a caregiver.

As a young child, Liliana showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Liliana enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. She loved playing soccer and jump rope as a child. She took care of her siblings, as her parents worked. She loved animals, being outdoors, she cared for her siblings, she liked to cook and sew.

Liliana's memorable achievements in life included participating in the town pageant when young and moving to America to pursue the American dream with her young children.

Friends and acquaintances found Liliana an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Liliana was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were her sister Maritza, her best friend Olga. She was surrounded by many great friends. But her family and children were her priority.

Very much like a kid herself, Liliana identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities. She was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards helping her children acquire added common sense skills. Liliana was blessed with two children, A daughter Brenda Calendo (Stephen) and a son Ernesto Madrigal (Lisa). They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Ashley Calendo Mann (Steve), Chelsea Calendo McDonald (Michael), Zachary Madrigal (Amy), and Jacob Madrigal (Mariel),

Her great-grandchildren were Maddox, Weston, Shea, Jameson, and Lennon.

Liliana was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Liliana’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. Liliana could multi-task, and she was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Her primary occupation was a Chef, Nanny, Seamstress, and Caregiver. She was employed for 60 years enriching people's lives with her craft of cooking, sewing and caretaking.

Liliana enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Her favorite pursuits were traveling and spending time with loved ones. She was content to enjoy her hobbies at home, but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Because she liked to take risks, Liliana was enthusiastic and confident about new projects she took on. Liliana was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were soccer, especially her beloved Ticos.

Liliana held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to her. She was a member of many Catholic Churches in the many places she lived. She was a devoted Catholic, and her faith was very strong. During that time, she devoted herself to caring for people in need.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Liliana truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something came along. Favorite vacations included traveling to Costa Rica to visit family and friends. Traveling to Europe, an Alaskan Cruise and road trips through the States.

Liliana was a lover of animals and cherished her family's pets, Nala, Luke, Rocky, Sam, Belle, Teemu.

She used logical analysis of her retirement options in order to ensure her retirement would be fulfilling. Still, she was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. Her new life involved relocating to live with her daughter Brenda and son in law Stephen in 2013. In retirement, she found pleasure in watching her grandchildren graduate high school, college, and be present in their weddings, and enjoying time with her great-grandchildren.

Liliana passed away on February 18, 2023. She passed away in her home with her daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters by her side. Liliana fought a brave battle. Diagnosed with MDS in 2019, that progressed into Acute Leukemia this last year. She was a warrior going to weekly blood and platelet transfusions for over 10 months which her doctors had given her 6 months to live in May of 2022.

She is survived by her children Brenda and Ernesto. Services were held at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Liliana was laid to rest in Eternal Valley in Newhall, California.

If Liliana had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She accepted her life, she lived a life of no regrets, and her legacy and remarkable spirit will live on.