Mrs. Ellen Valdez (92) of Frederick, Maryland, passed away peacefully January 17, 2015. In 1945 she married the love of her life, Socorro Ulysses Valdez, then a corporal in the United States Army, and spent 25 wonderful adventure filled years as a military bride. Born July 26, 1922 in Rochdale, England, she was the daughter of the late James and Ellen Reed Stewart. During WWII she worked in the Lowfield cotton mill as a "spinner" and also served as an air raid warden in her hometown. Her responsibilities as a warden included providing warnings to local citizens, making sure they entered their designated underground shelters, and gave them the "all clear" once the daily bombardments stopped. She is survived by her son James and his wife Elizabeth; her grandchildren Kimberly Valdez Meade and her husband Steve; Brian Lee Woods; her great-grandchildren Michael and Madison Meade; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Socorro U. Valdez deceased 1979, her daughter Barbara deceased 1956, her daughter Louise Valdez Woods deceased 1989, and by her granddaughter Kellie Valdez Pagano deceased 2007. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m., on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick. Ellen will be buried with her husband at Ft Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kellie Pagano Educational Fund, Gallaudet University, EMG Building, 800 Florida Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20002.
