Amparo Valdez Luera

Amparo Valdez Luera, 88, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Houston Texas, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022 with her daughter and grandniece by her side. She is survived by her only daughter Michelle Luera and surviving sisters Elodia Garcia and Norma Tate both of San Jose California.

Amparo is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Gilbert Luera, her parents Victoria and Pascual Valdez, sister Viola Gonzales, brothers Mario Valdez, Eddie Valdez and her baby brother Ramiro Valdez who often found any chance to tease his older sister starting childhood to adulthood, and finally her beloved nephew Jose Mario who always made her laugh. When Amparo entered the gates of heaven, her brother Eddie was there to greet her and to tell to pick another outfit before entering the gates even though she was perfect. Baby brothers.

Amparo was born on August 18, 1934 in Del Rio, Texas during the “Great Depression.” Being born during the Great Depression shaped Amparo’s formative years resulting in a lifetime of frugality. It made its mark. By her early-to-mid teens Amparo’s family moved to San Angelo, Texas. It was there that she dated Gilbert Luera, a young man she would eventually marry years later in 1970. Later the family moved to California and many happy years were spent in the state

Amparo worked a number of jobs throughout her lifetime. As a young teen she was pulled from school working jobs to support the family. She picked cotton. She worked as waitress in San Angelo. She could serve the food, just not eat there as a customer. Much like in Del Rio, everything was segregated between Whites and Mexicans. Her family traveled between Texas and San Jose, California working as seasonal workers in the canneries that dotted the Bay Area and picking fruit; and later working in retail. Eventually her family and extended family made San Jose their home. While living in San Jose and with encouragement from her sister Viola, Amparo earned her high school diploma.

Amparo’s faith in the Catholic Church has been steadfast from beginning playing an integral part of her life. Attending mass was a time of reflection; strengthening her bond with the Lord. She attended Queen of Peace Church in Houston, Texas for more than 45 years.

As teenager out with her mom there was never a dull moment with Amparo. If it involved shopping mortifying moments for her daughter would pop with not a care in a world from Amparo. Looking back at all those moments one is able to laugh; just not when you are fifteen. Amparo had two wallets. A regular wallet in her purse; another “wallet” in a stealth location until it wasn’t for the members of public that were near her. If you are close family, you know the stories and are laughing right now.

Amparo made the best Mexican wedding cookies often for Christmas. She also made a nice, cool, hit-the-spot Jello cake and “damn good” oatmeal cookies according to a daughter’s friend. She mastered the ultimate comfort food – carne guisada which will be missed. And made the ultimate Christmas dish besides a tamal; pozole.

The love among Amparo, Gilbert and Michelle was exchanged with “I love you 302 mountains.” Later the following was added “I love you more.” After Gilbert’s passing Amparo and Michelle came up with one that flowed naturally “I love you this much;” showing with one’s arms and hands stretched out to the fullest demonstrating how much love there is through a lovely gesture.

Before the rosary there will a private viewing for close family from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; a public viewing will follow from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m. A rosary will take place at 6:00 p.m. at Willow Glen Funeral located on 1029 Lincoln Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 on Monday, October 3, 2022.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church located on 88 Race Street, San Jose, CA 95126 on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. The burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery & Memorial Park located on 300 Curtner Ave. at 12:30 p.m. A lunch reception will be held in a reception room at Oak Hill Funeral Home following the burial.