Belle Valadez

Belle T. Valadez, 89-years-old, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 after her valiant fight with Alzheimer's Disease for nearly a decade. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of both family and friends carried her through this arduous season of her life.

Belle was born on November 6, 1926 in San Francisco, California to Joaquin & Belle Tapia, the eldest daughter of their 7 beautiful children.

While universally known for her ease in conversation with even total strangers, some may be surprised to learn of her extreme shyness in her youth. Yet even as a child, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Her signature gift of mothering, hospitality and grace was shown through her constant smile, laughter, and one liner jokes will never be forgotten.

In 1952, after showing up for a job interview at El Encanto on la Calle Olvera, she met her Sweetheart, Mario Valadez. The couple was married on April 17,1953 at The Wee Kirk O' the Heather in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Married for 32 years, until his passing on January 22, 1989, Belle & Mario's love and adoration for her entire family was enormous. She became the matriarch of the Tapia family. She faithfully helped raise and nurture their countless nieces and nephews until the birth of her only daughter, Susanah. Belle embodied and tirelessly lived by example how to truly love unconditionally. On June 4, 1995 she gained a son- in-law, Carlos. Her life became exceedingly full upon the arrival of her only two granddaughters, Carly and Demi.

On the evening of Friday, February 19, 2016 a Vigil is set to commence at 6:45 PM at the Avila Adobe House on Olvera Street to concluded across the street at La Placita Church. The Rosary for her Beautiful Soul will follow at 7:00P.M. at La Placita Church 535 North Main Street, Los Angeles.

The funeral service will be presided by Pastor Sam Meza at Wee Kirk O' the Heather at Glendale Forest Lawn on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 10:00AM. Immediately following, a celebration of her Beautiful Life will take place at the Valadez-Oscar Residence.

My Mom's Beautiful Memory --who lived, laughed, and loved-- will be carried on in her legacy of omnipresent love, which she generously leaves in the lives of every single person she helped form and whose lives she touched.