Dolores G. Valdez

Dolores Valdez passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 29, 2023. She was 88 years old. Dolores is preceded in death by her husband, Guadalupe F. Valdez Sr.; her siblings, Rita Guerrero, Pedro Garza, Pablo Garza, Trinidad Garza, and Amador Garza. She is survived by her sister, Maria (Lupita) Arredondo; her children, Aleyda Valdez (Paul), Guadalupe Valdez Jr. (Charlotte), Yvette Valdez, and Margot Valdez; her grandchildren, Kristine, Joe Eric, Miguel, Mia, Antonio, Joshua, and her great-grandson, Elijah.

Dolores was born on May 6, 1935, to Antonio and Francisca Garza at a ranch near Hebbronville, Texas. As a young girl, Dolores enjoyed sports and loved school but withdrew from the eighth grade to work as a housekeeper. She loved to dance, often attending dances with her friends. In fact, as a young teenager, she met her future husband at a local dance. A few years later, Dolores and Lupito were married on November 16, 1958, and soon moved to Corpus Christi where they set up roots to raise their family.

As a stay-at-home mom and homemaker, Dolores was able to earn money by taking care of other children in her home. She would later work at a daycare center, and then as a cafeteria assistant at Moody High School. Later in life, she served as a caregiver to nuns at Incarnate Ward Convent and ultimately provided care for other elderly people in the community.

Dolores raised her children in the Catholic Church, establishing for them a strong faith in God and instilling in them the importance of family. Her family was her pride and joy. She and Lupito enjoyed attending their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, musical performances, plays, programs, awards assemblies, and graduations throughout the years. Dolores enjoyed talking with her children and grandchildren, sharing her wisdom and incredible sense of humor. Her family have many special memories of her cooking such delicious dishes as arroz con pollo, picadillo, enchiladas, tortillas and fried chicken. She was the best cook.

Dolores and Lupito were married for 63 years. She was a loving, caring and devoted wife. Because she didn’t drive, Lupito would drive her wherever she needed to go. They were always together and could often be found at a local restaurant enjoying a leisurely breakfast. In their final years, she would care for Lupito until his passing.

Dolores was surprisingly caught up on pop culture and enjoyed commenting on it. On any given night, she could be seen sitting in her rocking chair, along with her dog Odie by her side, watching her favorite television show or movie. She often watched various TLC reality shows, game shows, and political news coverage.

Dolores spent the last years of her life continuing to enjoy simple pleasures, such as going to her favorite restaurants for breakfast on the weekends with her children and grandchildren, or going shopping at HEB, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree, or simply going on leisurely rides around the city while sharing stories and reminiscing. She was blessed with compassionate providers who cared for her, along with her children, until her passing. Dolores will forever be missed, but her loved ones find comfort in knowing that she is in eternal peace with Our Lord, her family and friends, and especially with her beloved Lupito dancing in Heaven.

Visitation for Dolores will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. A Holy Rosary and Funeral Service will begin at 1:30 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.