Alice "Lauteria" Valenzuela

Celebrating the Life of Alice “Lauteria”Valenzuela May 7th, 1943 – May 8th, 2025 With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved Alice Valenzuela, who left this world peacefully on May 8th, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. Services will take place at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas on Friday, May 16, 2025, beginning with a Visitation at 9:00 a.m., a Rosary at 10:00 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Los Lentes Catholic Cemetery in Los Lunas. A lifelong resident of New Mexico, Alice brought warmth, laughter, and grace to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Born on May 7, 1943, in the small community of San Mateo, New Mexico, Alice was the daughter of Evaristo and Sofia Gonzales. From her earliest days, she embodied generosity, strength, and compassion—qualities that would define her life. Her faith and family were her foundation, and her kitchen was the heart of her home, filled with the aroma of homemade meals and the sounds of love and conversation. Alice dedicated 26 years to Los Lunas Schools, where she served as cafeteria cook manager. Her meals nourished not only the bodies but the spirits of countless students. Beyond her kitchen, she took her passion for child nutrition nationwide, serving as President of the School Food Service Association and advocating for improved standards in the Los Lunas Schools cafeterias. In addition to her professional achievements, Alice was a steadfast servant of her faith. For 45 years, she sang in the choir at San Clemente Catholic Church, rising early each Sunday to help open its doors. Her joyful spirit also found expression in the simple pleasures of life—whether it was gathering with loved ones or enjoying a lucky streak at the casino. Alice's greatest devotion was to her family. She was married for 59 wonderful years to her loving husband, David F. Valenzuela, with whom she was preparing to celebrate their 60th anniversary this June. Together, they proudly raised two wonderful children, Rudy and Delilah, and built a life rooted in faith, service, and enduring love. She is survived by her husband David F. Valenzuela, her daughter Delilah Sanchez and her husband David Sanchez; her brother Gilbert Gonzales and his wife Pauline; her sister in-laws, and her adored grandchildren: Jordan Moody and his wife Krystal, Gabby Moody and her sweet Leño, Mykayla Moody and her boyfriend Sean, Aaron Valenzuela and his wife Danielle, Marisa Sanchez, and David Sanchez. Her love lives on in her great-grandchildren Amaya, Zayden, and Lilliana Moody, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. She now joins in eternal rest those she loved and missed dearly: her parents, Evaristo and Sofia Gonzales; her in-laws, Senobio and Susie Valenzuela; her brothers Lauriano Gonzales and Zacarias Romero; her son Rudy Valenzuela; and two infant sons, both named Joseph. Their memories were treasured always, and we find comfort in knowing they are reunited. Pallbearers will be Jordan Moody, Gabby Moody, Mykayla Moody, Aaron Valenzuela, Marisa Sanchez, and David F. Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearers include her nieces and nephews from both sides of the family, the Sanchez foster children, and Isaac Romero. Alice’s legacy is one of compassion, joy, and unshakable love. She gave of herself freely—to her family, her community, and the generations of children she nourished and inspired. Though we grieve her loss deeply, we will continue to celebrate her life in the stories we share, the meals we prepare, and the love we pass on. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her memory forever be a blessing.

Alice "Lauteria" Valenzuela

May 7, 1943 - May 8, 2025