Andrea Valdez, 89, of Oak Park, died on Sept. 27, 2026. Born on Nov. 12, 1936, in El Ranchito, Texas to Esperaza Abrego and Rafael Ysasi, in 1962 she moved to Chicago with her husband, the late Ignacio Valdez Sr., and their young children. The family would settle in Oak Park a few years later, where she lived until her death.
She spent over 50 years active in her faith, speaking in churches and the Women’s Aglow Fellowship throughout Illinois. A prayer warrior, she was a member of Bethel Temple Oak Park where she actively taught Sunday School. She volunteered at West Suburban Hospital, which led to a full-time job in the Atrium Cafe. Everyone at West Sub called her “Mom.” Andrea actualized Proverbs 31:28: “Her children arise and called her blessed.” Her worn bible was marked with many prayers and favorite verses.
Andrea was preceded in death by her husband the late Ignacio Valdez Sr.; two infant children, both named Ricky Valdez, the late Josie Valdez and the late David Valdez. She is survived by six children, Ignacio Valdez Jr., Cynthia Litwiller (Richard), Nora Ulmor (Paul), Diane Ciancanelli (John), Joy Pappas (Dean), and Moses Valdez as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.
A celebration of her life will begin with a viewing on Thursday, Oct. 8 at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 Spring Road, Elmhurst, from 4 to 8 p.m. Services and burial will be at Mt Emblem Chapel, 520 E. Grand Ave., Elmhurst, on Oct. 9 at 11:30 a.m.