Maria Magdalena Valdez

Maria Magdalena Valdez died peacefully of natural causes at the age of 93, on May 15, 2024, at 2:54am, with her family at her bedside. Malena was born on July 22, 1930, in San Diego de Alejandria, Mexico in the State of Jalisco to Isabel and Juan Lopez Berdin. She grew up in very humble surroundings in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico with her 3 brothers and 6 sisters. At a very young age she and her sisters became a popular singing trio on the radio airwaves of XET. It was there that she met Pedro Valdez Salazar, the love of her life. He also was a popular singing guitarist on the same radio show. They married in 1952 and quickly began their family. They took their 2 sons, joined singing voices, and immigrated to the United States, moving to San Antonio, Texas, where they welcomed their first daughter. They were growing in popularity and were found by a talent scout who promised them a lucrative entertainment career. They produced 6 records under the Falcon Record Company label in Mission, Texas, sang at political events and were seen on television numerous times in the 1960s. They eventually let it all go to focus on their growing family which now included another daughter and son. After those 5 children grew up and made lives of their own, they moved back to Texas, and continued their love of children by becoming foster parents in Houston. They were proud to continue communicating with some of those children into adulthood.

Malena is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years: Pedro Anastacio Valdez, her parents: Isabel Lopez Lopez, Juan Lopez Berdin, her brothers: Chuy and Tonio, her sisters: Carmela, Josefina and Chata. She is survived by her siblings: Maria de Jesus, Lupe, and Modesto, her children: Peter, Rudy, Magda, Patricia (Sal), and Gilbert (Lucinda); her 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and a great quantity of nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Services to be held at Funeraria del Angel Crespo Funeral Home. 2516 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003; on Monday, May 20th beginning with a visitation (viewing) from 9am – 11am, followed by a Catholic Mass at 1pm and ending with the burial procession to Forest Park Lawndale at 3pm.