Nancy Valdez, born Nancy Anne McElhaney on May 16th, 1944, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on May 14th, 2024, at the age of 79 in Broomfield, Colorado. She was the beloved daughter of Claudine Jessie McCollum and Thomas William McElhaney.

Nancy's life was highlighted by her remarkable journey, numerous passions, and ever-growing family. From a young age, she showed a penchant for numbers, which led her to a successful career in accounting. Her dedication and excellence in her work earned her the title of Employee of the Year in 2004. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nancy's heart overflowed with compassion. She ran a licensed childcare center, nurturing and guiding countless children under her care. Moreover, she opened her home as an emergency foster parent, offering refuge to babies in need during tumultuous times. Nancy's generosity extended beyond her profession; she volunteered at local libraries, the food bank, and assisted family and friends with their taxes.

Nancy's love extended to her furry companions, including her beloved deceased pets (both cats and dogs), whom she cherished dearly. She had a heart for animals, feeding and caring for hundreds of strays all over the United States. Her home was a shrine to her love for the creatures, adorned with an impressive collection of feline trinkets that spoke to her affection for her furry companions.

A lover of puzzles, Nancy not only enjoyed solving them herself but also inspired her family and grandchildren to embrace the joy of puzzle-solving. Her green thumb was evident in her passion for gardening, a hobby she pursued unwaveringly, regardless of her location. Nancy embraced new experiences, from trying diverse cuisines, such as one of her favorite Arab meals, Fasoulia, to immersing herself in music and dance. In her later years, she found immense joy in K-pop and K-dramas, particularly the music of BTS. Her zest for life also led her to travel, including visits to her daughter Dayna and her family in Ghana.

Nancy was a force of nature, her spirit as warm and comforting as her legendary meatloaf. Beyond her culinary prowess, she was the backbone of her family, instilling in her children and grandchildren the joys of riding bikes, her steady hand guiding them through those first wobbly pedals. With a penchant for IHOP breakfasts, she embraced the digital age with ease, effortlessly navigating her iPad, iPhone, and GoGo Grandparent ride service. In her downtime, Nancy proudly sported her grandchildren's university shirts, a testament to her unwavering support. Known for her perfect nails and DIY skills, Nancy was resourceful and handy, always ready to tackle any task (with attitude).

As a self-proclaimed fatty in her later years, it would be a shame not to delve into her culinary preferences. From the flavorful pinto beans to the soul-soothing taste of cornbread and fried okra, Nancy reveled in Southern tradition. And her unique twist of crumbling cornbread into her buttermilk was a ritual she savored with every meal, a testament to her love for simple pleasures and cherished traditions.

Nancy Valdez leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and resilience. She constantly joked about leaving 25 cents for each of her grandchildren as inheritance, but the mannerisms we have adopted from her, like, “Ahhhhsshhhhit,” “getthefu-, getthefu-,” and “well honey, I guess you’re shit outta luck,” are enough for our hearts; we do not need anything else. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

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