Esther S. Valdez

As a child, Esther's family resided in Tucson, AZ. As a young woman Esther moved to San Diego, CA and was employed by a defense contractor during World War II. She supported the war effort as a “Rosie the Riveter.” After the war, Esther met Jose Valdez, a sailor in the U.S. Navy. They married in Los Angeles, CA in March 1951. Jose’s Naval assignments moved their growing family to San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, Tacoma, Philadelphia, and Santa Ana. Through the years and relocations, Esther had diverse work experiences. Such employment included the Emporium in San Francisco as a hat model and Data Entry Clerk for a large mail order catalog company. Esther was also a devoted member of the Legion of Mary Association with the Catholic Church. She provided spiritual support while visiting the ill and their families.

Esther enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows, Colombo and Anthony Bourdain Travels, doing word puzzles, reading and collecting magazines, listening to Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra and taking short road trips. She enjoyed Mexican food, especially tamales and enchiladas. Her favorite sweet treats were peanut brittle, Snickers, Tootsie pops and Pepsi.

Without a doubt, spending time with her family was Esther’s greatest joy. Esther shared her beliefs and deep faith in God with her family. Family was her heart. She was giving, thoughtful and cherished special moments with each member of her family. She will be lovingly and fondly remembered for her quiet and reserved nature. Her love extended to the special, grand pups in her life as well, Bella, Max AKA Wackey, Hope and Finn. They showered her with companionship and comfort.

Esther lived a long, happy and healthy life. Esther was a Devoted, Loving and Adored Mother, Sister, Aunt and Grandmother. She leaves to cherish wonderful memories: three children, Joe, Paul and Lydia, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren, and sister Lidia. Esther was one of seven siblings: Catalina, Bertha, Ruth, Rachel, Paul, and Lidia. Her siblings blessed her with many nieces and nephews.

She was the matriarch of a large, loving family who will miss her deeply and hold her in their hearts forever.

A celebration of life for Esther will be held Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westminstermemorial.net for the Valdez family.