Armelina V. Valdez,102, widow of Andrew Valdez, went to be with Lord early Monday morning on July 17, 2023, at her residence in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on November 2nd, 1920, in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, a daughter of the late Leondro and Josefita Valdez.

Lena, as some knew her, was one of nine siblings and was the last to pass. She graduated in 1938, earning her diploma from Wagon Mound High in New Mexico. After completing high school she moved to Oakland, California where she became a certified welder and worked on ships during World War ll. Lena was extremely proud of this time in her life, she was a true "Rosie the Riveter". While in Oakland she met a Navy sailor that would be the love of her life. They married and moved to San Antonio (Andy's hometown), where they had 5 children and remained together for 64 years before his passing in 2009. Lena and Andy loved to dance and were always the first couple on the dance floor at weddings or parties. Lena was partially blind and loved attending social events at the Light House for The Blind. She will be missed dearly by all.

In addition to her husband of 64 years, Andrew O. Valdez who passed away July 2, 2009, and her parents, Leondro Valdez and Josefita M. Valdez; she is also preceded in death by her three sons, Thomas Valdez, Andrew Valdez Jr. and Gilbert Valdez.

Family members include her two daughters, Stella Valenzuela (Franz) and Olga Broussard; grandchildren, Bernardo, Diane, Andrew, Alicia, Steven, Gilbert, Monica and Jessica; 17 great grandchildren; 5 great great-grandchildren; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Our thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the care they gave her.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for visitation and a rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm in Castillo Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 9:30 am in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.