Cecilia Valenzuela

Cecilia "Cissy" Julia Valenzuela

Cissy, our cherished wife, mother and friend, was 70 years old and lived in Carlsbad NM for most of her life. She also lived part time with her loving daughter and family in Las Cruces, NM, for the last two years of her life.

She entered the heavenly skies accompanied by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 1, 2025. She passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Las Cruces, surrounded by her devoted family during her last days.

Cissy was born on Mother's Day in 1954 on May the 9th in Los Angeles, California, to Henry and Julia Benitez. She was the oldest child of four, leading her siblings throughout childhood in her protective and loving way. She moved to Tucson, AZ, in 1959 and considered Tucson her heart and home.

Cissy met John Valenzuela at Randolph Park on the Fourth of July when she was 18 years old. They quickly fell in love and married in Tucson on June 15, 1973. They were happily married for 51 years. They eventually moved to Germany with their first born son and lived on an Army base for 3 years. After her spouse completed his service, the small family then settled and expanded in Carlsbad, NM. Cissy lived and worked in Carlsbad, raising her family in their beloved family home.

Cissy is survived by her loving husband, John, of Carlsbad NM; son Robert (Stacy) Valenzuela of Carlsbad NM; Christopher (Rosie) Valenzuela of Albuquerque, NM; Monique (Christopher) Gibson of Las Cruces, NM. Also survived by her grandchildren, who she proclaimed as the bright lights of her life: Adam Gibson of Las Cruces, NM; Lysette Valenzuela of Carlsbad, NM; Juliet Valenzuela of Biloxi, Mississippi; Christopher R. Valenzuela of Albuquerque, NM; Christa Gibson of Las Cruces NM; Robert H. Valenzuela of Carlsbad NM; Nicholas Gibson of Las Cruces NM, and last but not least, her faithful dog, Kitana.

Cissy was a beautiful and kind spirit, offering a brilliant smile to all she encountered. Her sparkling green eyes captured attention wherever she went. Cissy will be very dearly missed by her family.

"See you later alligator"