Mary Cabral

Mary Louise Valdez was born in the village of Roy, New Mexico on June 14th, 1930 to Dolores (Lola) and Rogerio Valdez. She was the oldest of five children. Her siblings were Edward (Pepper), Martha, John and Taylor Jr.

Mary graduated from Roy High School 1948 and then married Joe Ornelas from the neighboring community of Mills. They had four children; Evangeline, James, Kathleen and Yvonne as well as fostering many children in the 1960’s. She and Joe divorced, and she later met Arthur Cabral in 1984. They later married in Raton, NM and were together until his passing in 2008.

Mary worked many jobs including Goodwill, Beth Israel hospital, Denver General, United Bank Center, Atlas Metal & Iron as well as many private homes of the people she worked for in these places.

Everyone loved Mary as her personality radiated friendliness and good nature. She also had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and make others laugh as well. Above all, she had a soft and generous heart. If she saw a need and she had the means, she was there to help. One of her favorite things to do was to visit friends and have long visits over coffee. She also loved to dance, especially to her favorite songs by New Mexico artist Al Hurricane. She and Art had many adventures in their RV as they traveled to go camping, fishing and visiting family. When she was home, her favorite pastime was reading, watching Andy Griffith re-runs and the Lifetime Channel. They retired and moved to Goodland, KS in 2004 where they enjoyed a quiet life.

She passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2023 at Prairie Senior Living Center in Colby, Kansas with her daughter, Yvonne by her side. She was 93.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her first husband, Joe, brothers Taylor (Junior), Johnny and Edward (Pepper), sister Martha, her second husband, Arthur, her son, James, and grandson, Anthony. Proceeding her in death was her oldest daughter, Evangeline.

She is survived by 2 daughters; Kathleen (Wesley) of Atlanta, GA, Yvonne of Goodland, KS, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a legacy of love, laughter and a giving heart.

Following the service, there will be a reception for Mary at River of Life Church at 3:30 PM.

8690 West Jewell Ave., Denver Co, 80232.