My aunt Marlene Valdez Pace, age 42, had a severe, unexpected stroke earlier this week while putting up cattle fence with her two sons. The boys heroically picked her up, loaded her into the truck and drove her to a waiting ambulance (even though none of them have a driver’s license). 

Marlene was put on life support, but sadly there was too much damage to her brain. Her 3 children, Wyatt, Carlo, and Alana were by her side, along with loving family and friends to say goodbye during her final moments on March 23.

Unfortunately, Marlene’s medical insurance had lapsed last year; and the life support costs as well as other medical bills and end of life costs are quite costly. Marlene had a lot on her mind this past year. One year ago, both of Marlene's parents, Lena and Marvin Valdez, also unexpectedly passed away, within one day of each other.

As a family, we are hoping to help ensure Marlene's 3 children are able to inherit some of the grandparents estate, including the small family farm Marlene was raised on, to support them during this tragic time and get them through middle and high school and college, and to not lose it to the medical and end of life costs Marlene incurred unexpectedly at such a young age. 

Marlene also was an organ donor, so her big heart is literally saving lives even in the afterlife. 

While donations are never expected, should you choose to make a contribution, our family will be forever grateful, and will make a significant difference in my young cousins’ lives.

If more donations come in than are needed for medical bills and end of life expenses, they will be used for costs associated with the children, such as grief counseling or a memorial garden in her name to help them with closure.

Marlene wasn't just an aunt, a sister, a mother - Marlene was a brilliant, kind, beautiful, hardworking person who will be greatly missed by anyone who ever had the honor of gracing her presence whether it be cooking tamales with her, herding cattle, dancing under the stars, or having a deep conversation that would leave you laughing, crying, and a better person.

Much love, 

The Pace Family