Rosie LeMaster Valdez Rosie LeMaster Valdez, 90, of

Rosie LeMaster Valdez Rosie LeMaster Valdez, 90, of Albuquerque was welcomed to her eternal home on February 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Rosie was born March 21, 1934, in Cebolla, NM, She was the beloved first daughter of Vincente and Grace Valdez. Vincente was excited to have a daughter after 5 sons. Rosie attended several schools because of her fathers career. In 1951 they settled in Albuquerque where Rosie attended Albuquerque High School. After graduation, Rosie joined the Navy and was stationed at Naval Air Station in Norfolk, VA. Rosie would say those were the best days of her life. Basketball was her life and she joined the Navy basketball team where she played for 4 years. After Rosie completed her enlistment, she moved back to Albuquerque and joined a local team. When she got married she stopped playing until her children were old enough to take them with her. She played volleyball and basketball into her early 80's and in 2015 her basketball team won the gold medal at the Senior Olympics. She enjoyed working out at the gym until she was 86. Rosie's favorite pastime was watching the NBA and WNBA. She loved to dance and her Senior Olympics team won first place dancing the jitterbug and polka. She enjoyed playing canasta, and was active with the Rosary Altar Society at St. Bernadette. She was an Amway distributor for over 20 years and often spoke at seminars. Her favorite memories included traveling to Europe, Bolivia, Israel and Egypt. Rosie is survived by her children, Crystal LeMaster and her husband Doug Baker, Drake LeMaster and his wife Gloria, Mary Grace Cardenas and her husband David, 11 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren, sister Lisa Bonney, brothers George, Tino and his wife Mae. Preceding Rosie in death was her son Rodney LeMaster; parents Vicente and Grace Valdez; brothers Ray; and Joe. A rosary will be held Thursday February 27, 2025 at 9:00 am followed by Mass at 10 am at Saint Bernadette. A lunch reception will immediately follow at Saint Bernadette parish hall. An Internment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery on February 28, 2025 at 2:30 pm.