Linda M. Valdez

Espinoza (née Garcia). She moved to Denver before she started elementary school and

graduated from Denver West High School. Other than a couple of short adventures in Texas

and Germany as an Army wife, Denver was always home. She was a cherished wife, mother,

grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. After bravely fighting for over 4 years, Linda lost her battle

with leukemia on February 24, 2021. She is survived by husband Michael W. Valdez, “Mike”, her

love for over 50 years, and her children JoAnn Knaus, Rebecca Valdez and Christopher Valdez.

Linda was deeply committed to always being there for her children and enjoyed most in life

helping them and their spouses, Andrew Knaus, Todd Harrington and Kathryn Valdez. The

lights of her life were her grandchildren: Cristiano, Amado, Sophia, Emilia, Elise, Thea, Raina,

Eva, Tiara, Naya and Estella. They miss their “Grammy” dearly as she played a very big role in

each of their lives, cuddling them, feeding them, chauffeuring them and cheering them on. She

was reunited in heaven with her parents and beloved younger sister Tina whom she missed

deeply. She is also survived by her brothers Tom Espinoza and Mike Espinoza, and numerous

nieces, nephews and cousins.

Linda spent most of her working life in the printing industry, taking charge with her attention to

detail and calm perseverance. Linda was loyal, stubborn and mischievous. She was a strong

“no nonsense” woman, but tenderhearted and deeply committed to those she cherished most in

life. She loved catching up with her friends and family and taking road trips with Mike. She was

the backbone and heart of her family, in who she took immense pride. We will miss her warm

hugs, feisty ways and lovingly prepared meals.

Her family deeply appreciates all kind gestures and offers of help through this difficult time. We

would welcome your consideration of a donation made in Linda’s honor to

https://www.rockymountainbloodfund.org/donate

A private celebration of life will be held to honor Linda. Due to pandemic restrictions limiting

size of gatherings, details and logistics will be shared directly with attendees by her family.