She was born June 16, 1926, to Juan de los Reyes Santistevan and Maria de los Dolores Rebeca Barela in Costilla, New Mexico. Fabiola attended Costilla High School, and graduated in 1944.
Fabiola is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, a brother, and her husband Fermin Valdez, and son Rick. She is survived by sons, John (Nancy) LeRoy (Midge, Tony and James (Fran Consinero) Valdez and daughters, Gina and Mona Golden (Mike). Fabiola is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Also, surviving Fabiola are her siblings, Andrea Gomez of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Jose Santistevan of Pueblo, Colorado, along with numerous nephews and nieces.
Fabiola was a loving spouse and mother. After raising her children, she worked at the PAD and Pueblo County School District No. 70 in various capacities, including Teacher Aide at South Mesa and Vineland Elementary Schools.
As a resident of Avondale for over 50 years, and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish, she was active in Catechism programs for the youth in Avondale. In addition, she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. After retiring from D-70, she pursued her hobby, quilting, and loved spending time with her family.
Fabiola moved to Pueblo in 2006, and became a parishioner of Our Lady of the Meadows. She was a member of the Quilting Club.
A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at Our Lady of the Meadows, 23 Starling Drive, Pueblo, Colorado, 81005. Interment will follow at Imperial Memorial Gardens, 5450 Colorado 78 West, Pueblo Colorado, 81005. A reception will be held at the hall at Our Lady of the Meadows following the burial.
The family of Fabiola Valdez wishes to thank Monsignor Jim King for his spiritual guidance, and Fran Consonero, Administrative Assistant to Monsignor. The family extends their appreciation to the staff of Sangre de Cristo for their loving care given o Fabiola, specifically to the care team of Brett, and all the nurses, Cerrah, social workers, Chaplain Mike, and most special CNA Brianna Galindo, as well as private CNAs Becky Carter and Louisa Margie DeHerrera. We also extend our appreciation to the staff at TG McCarthy and Imperial Memorial Gardens
