Valerie Chaidez

Valerie Chaidez

Beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and friend

Born in California | Passed away July 21, 2025 | Age 72

Valerie Chaidez, a profoundly kind and selfless woman whose life was defined by faith, compassion, and unwavering love for her family, passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was 72.

Born in California, Valerie’s early years were shaped by resilience. As the eldest sibling, she took on a caretaker role during her parents’ divorce, nurturing her brothers and sister with quiet strength. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to helping others—especially children in need.

Valerie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to Matthew and Lori, a loving stepmother to Jeff and Jason, and an adoptive mother to Marci, Lakendra, Mark, and Kayla. Though she was told she couldn’t have children, she defied expectations with grace and determination, building a family rooted in unconditional love.

She opened her heart and home to children with special needs, becoming a foster parent in Colorado and ultimately adopting three of those children. Her daughter Marci, who had multiple disabilities, passed away at age 11—a loss that deepened Valerie’s passion for advocacy and care.

Valerie was a steadfast partner to her husband Frank Chaidez until his passing in 2021. She found strength in her faith and her church’s widow support group, continuing to pour love into her children and grandchildren.

She was deeply proud of her family:

- Son Matthew, his wife Jessica, and their children Piper (9) and Bodhi (5)

- Daughter Lori, her husband Alex, and their children Ashlyn, Emmelyne, Everett, and Wyatt

- Stepson Jeff and his children Isabel and Mason

- Stepson Jason, his wife Christy, and their daughter Marissa

- Adopted daughter Lakendra, mother to Jude and Rowen

- Adopted daughter Kayla, mother to Isabella and Laquala

- Adopted son Mark

Valerie gave generously to causes close to her heart, including St. Jude, Native American organizations, and the Wounded Warrior Project. She honored the service of her father, husband, brothers, and son, and lived by the belief that even small acts of kindness could change lives.

She found joy in simple pleasures—chocolate shakes, chasing down a good soda, and cheering on her grandchildren. Her warmth filled every room, and her absence leaves a quiet ache in the hearts of those who loved her.

Valerie is preceded in death by her husband Frank Chaidez; her parents William and Kay Carsten (née Keogh); her siblings Charles (Chuck), Sandra (Sandy), and Randall (Randy) Carsten; and her daughter Marci. She is survived by her brother Richard (Rick) and his wife Maryjane Carsten, and by the many children and grandchildren who carry her legacy forward.

She taught us to lead with love, to give even when it hurts, and to stay soft in a world that can be hard. Valerie was not just a mother—she was our anchor, our guiding light, and our legacy.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her.

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Funeral services will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Friday, October 10th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Please contact Lori Dees or Matthew Chaidez for details.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Valerie’s memory may be made to Veterans and Athletes United, a cause close to her heart.