Obituary of Andrew R Valdez

Andrew R Valdez (Andy) was born May 15, 1938 in Raton, New Mexico. He was a Raton High School Graduate of the Class of 1956 and served his country in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He passed away July 19, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He married his high school sweetheart, Rosalie Margaret Cordova in 1959 and they remained married until her death in April of 2014. She was the love of his life and they shared many precious memories through their years together.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art in 1974, he pursued a career as an architect, which he did for several years. Andy was a gifted artist and caricaturist, having shown his paintings in many art shows throughout New Mexico. He ran his own business – Caricatures by Andy – for several years, drawing his humorous interpretations of people as they sat for him at various art shows (notably Weems Artfest), parties, and other celebrations. Everyone he drew loved his caricatures and his work was always received with smiles and laughter. He brought joy to many people around the country. In later years, Andy began painting in acrylics, showing at the New Mexico State Fair as well as other art festivals in the region. He had a special love for the colors of New Mexico, especially the beautiful Southwest skies. Often the subject of his paintings was old abandoned houses and churches he would see during his travels throughout New Mexico. He always painted everything that was old, nothing new.

Andy loved a good joke, found humor in almost anything, and his laugh was contagious. He enjoyed fishing with his wife and daughter and beloved brother Johnny Valdez. His favorite food was anything his wife made, but especially beans and tortillas and he had green chile on almost everything he ate. Chocolate cake was his weakness.

Andy leaves behind his loving daughter Debra and her wife Stephanie of Albuquerque, sister Viola (Nena) Barela of Colorado, sister Loretta Worthington and husband Dennis of California, brother Larry Cardenas of Colorado, and brother Anthony Cardenas and wife Sharon of California. He also has a son Robert and grandson Cody. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 54 years Rosalie Margaret, his parents, baby sister Henrietta, brother Johnny, and second wife Rosalie Ulibarri. The Valdez family also recently lost his other brother Jerry (Cupie) Valdez of Louisiana on August 10, 2023.

Services will be held Wednesday August 16, 2023 at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Rosary will begin at 9:30am followed by Mass at 10:00am. Inurnment to follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Andy’s name to the Presbyterian Robert Wertheim Hospice House at https://give.phs.org. Please select The Robert Wertheim House from the dropdown menu

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