Nancy Jean Valenzuela's Obituary
Nancy Jean Valenzuela was born Nancy Jean Küpers on July 22, 1942 in Coeur d’Alene, ID. A longtime resident of Northeast Tacoma and Puyallup, she passed away after a long illness on January 6, 2014. She is predeceased by her first-born, Ricardo Rito Valenzuela II, who died in infancy and next to whom she will find her final resting place. A self-professed “Army Brat,” Nancy met and married the love of her life, Ricardo Valenzuela, at Fort Lewis in 1960. Their 53 years together produced six children, 18 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and endless memories.
In addition to her devotion to family, Nancy’s love for cultures and experiences was fueled by travels all over the world. In her youth, she lived among traditions as diverse as the Far East and the Deep South. With her husband she lived in Europe, Hawaii and throughout the US. She was most comfortable when surrounded by the tranquility of nature—be it in her own yard, on a random bench at the beach or setting out a folding chair in a beautiful meadow on Mount Rainier. She maintained an endless pursuit of artistry and filled her children’s homes with her paintings, blankets, ceramics and needle crafts.
She is survived by her husband, Rick, her best friends of 45 years, Marge and Ray Medley of Browns Point, and her five children: Arturo (Susan) Valenzuela of Spanaway; Debora Mangan of Tacoma; Cheryl (Rodney) Valenzuela-Johnson of Parkland; Maria (Frank) Valenzuela Lewis of Dash Point; and Ana (Fred) Mohem of Tualatin, Or. Also her 18 grandchildren: Cyra (Matthew) Valenzuela Benedict, Kyle Valenzuela, Keren (Jorge) Rodriguez, Kayla Johnson, Arielle (Matthew) Valenzuela Roberson, Karlena (Travis) Radford, Nathaniel Valenzuela, Patrick Mangan, Mathew (Shalane) Johnston, Carmen Valenzuela Burger, Alexander Valenzuela, Hannah (Connor) Leckman, Dominic Lewis, Sophia Lewis, Lydia Mangan, Lillian Mangan, Cecilia Lewis and SarahLynn Mangan. She will be very much missed by her four great-grandchildren (Jorge, Julia, Elena and Zoe), nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.
Special thanks to the wonderful teams at Good Samaritan Hospital and Puyallup Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Nancy will be laid to rest next to her son at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood. Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 1 pm in the Garden Chapel at Mountain View followed by a public graveside service. Please dress comfortably for the elements. (Umbrellas, coats, gloves, etc.) In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (www.ccsww.org) or your favorite charity.
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