Maria Clementina Valenzuela

Maria was born on June 24, 1929, in Peumo, Chile to the late Francisco Fernández and Olivia Lagos. Married at a young age to the late Eduardo Valenzuela, she lovingly raised her family in Chile and eventually migrated to the United States to be closer to her children, where she resided with her daughter Maria F. Pinto. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Clemita, as she was lovingly called, loved to cook. She would always prepare the best Chilean dishes made from scratch and sharing these dishes was her most favorite way to show her love and kindness. When grandchildren and great grandchildren joined the family, she was always a big spoiler. She loved social gatherings and celebrating birthdays. A big “sweets” lover: Biscottis, cookies, cakes, pastries, and strawberry ice cream in waffle cones are just a few to name. She was equally a lover of fashion, perfumes, jewelry, and colorful accessories. She loved to stay up to date on the latest trends by watching home shopping channels and looking through fashion magazines and catalogs. She also loved dolls. One of her most prized possessions was her large collection of dolls that she beautifully displayed throughout her bedroom, especially at Christmas which was her favorite time of the year. She would proudly show her dolls to anyone who came to visit. Lastly, she was a huge lover of pets, birds, flowers, and plants. Each Spring and Summer she enjoyed the scenic beauty of the well-manicured garden outside her home that her son in law Armando maintained. Fresh flowers were always one of her favorite gifts to receive.

Maria loved to travel. She, along with her children, would travel to various parts of the world. Together they would go sightseeing and indulge in delicious dishes. She leaves behind several pictures capturing those precious moments. A devout Catholic, Maria would always pray and call upon the Virgin Mary daily, even until her last days. She was a woman of strong faith and never hesitated to share encouraging words. She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, kindness, and thoughtfulness towards others.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, mother, grandmother, great uncles and one grandchild. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Maria Pinto, Patricia Altar, Olivia Valenzuela, her son Victor Valenzuela, son in law Armando Pinto, and her grandchildren Maria Campion, Edward Pinto, Natalie Pinto, John Sepulveda, and Jennifer Atchley.

Her legacy continues with her great grandchildren Alexander Campion, Matthew Campion, Briella Atchley, Angelina Guirguis and Grace Guirguis.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cary followed by a celebration of her life at Apex Funeral Home at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within “Add a Memory” for the Valenzuela Pinto family.