Emma V. Valencia Galvan

Emma Valencia Galvan, age 87, went to serve the Lord on Saturday evening, March 19, 2011. A lifelong El Pasoan, Emma was introducted to her husband Bob, in Sept. 1940 in front of the Plaza Theatre, were later married in a civil ceremony on October 4, 1943, and a formal wedding on October 7, 1943, at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

She was first employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, in Dallas, Texas, as a telephone supervisor, while her husband attended SMU Law School. Upon his graduation, she returned to work for them in El Paso. She attended college at night, eventually earning her Bachelor of Science degree fromTexas Western College (now UTEP) in Elementary Education. Mrs. Galvan taught at Milam, White, Lincoln and Lindberg Elementary schools, where she educated first and second graders with love and patience.

Mrs. Galvan was an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, the national honorary teachers society, LULAC, an avid reader and gardener, and loved to travel.

She was predeceased by her parents, Antonio L. Valencia and Genoveva Arroyo Valencia. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Senior Judge Robert J. Galvan; son, Robert L. Galvan; daughter, Victoria Galvan Hess; Grandchildren, LCPL John K. Galvan, USMC and Cassandra Galvan of El Paso; Rebecca Susan Hess and Samantha Rose Hess of San Antonio; and Greatgrandson, Sarin Cass Galvan of San Diego, Ca.

Her patient and loving nature will be missed by her family, many lifelong friends, former students and colleagues, and her Wednesday Canasta Ladies group.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady's Youth Center, El Paso, Texas.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 7:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 9:00 AM at St. Patrick's Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa. Inurnment will be held private by the family at a later date. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com