In Memoriam: Alma June Valenzuela

Alma June Valenzuela was born on June 28, 1935 in Los Angeles, CA and went to Heaven to reunite with our Lord and her loved ones on June 4, 2024.

Alma and Steve Valenzuela met and married in 1957. Together they had 5 children: Anthony, Sandy, Michael, Ron and Judy-Ann.  After raising her children, Alma (who was 50 at the time) decided to go back to school to become a registered nurse.  She had to start at the very beginning, as she had only attended school up to the 8th grade.  She worked incredibly hard and graduated with her nursing degree.  Alma landed her dream job at St Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, CA where she worked on the mother/baby unit.  She LOVED babies and having had a few herself- she had lots of wisdom to share, and her enthusiastic attitude and great sense of humor made her a favorite amongst the new mothers.  She was very proud of her career.  In 1993, she and Steve retired and moved to Big Pine, CA.

Alma was known for her love of family, people, flowers, and animals. She was incredibly social and talked to everyone she met. She was happiest in her greenhouse.  It was magical.  To say she had a green thumb was a bit of an understatement.  Alma could get just about anything to bloom!  She always named her plants and would talk to them as she cared for them.  She swore this was the reason they were so happy.  It must have been true because her beautiful yard was a sight to behold.  She eventually became a Master Gardener and was very fond of that title.  Alma is an incredible example that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and make them your reality.

Alma was preceded in death by 3 of her children, (baby) Teresa, Michael, and Judy. She is survived by her husband Steve, 3 children and spouses, 5 grandchildren and spouses,  5 great-grandchildren as well as numerous family and friends.  She leaves a huge hole in our hearts; the world already feels different without her in it.  Alma loved with everything she had to give, and we are blessed to have known her as wife, Mom and Nana.

A mass for Alma will be held Friday, June 14, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church at 849 Home St Bishop, CA 93514.  Viewing at 10:00am- Mass at 11:00am.  A reception will follow at the church hall.

News Staff