Beatriz Valdez Zertuche went to be with her Lord Jesus on March 5, 2010 surrounded by her family. She was the mother of Joe (Patti) Zertuche and Ralph (Lisa) Zertuche of Gilroy. Beatriz was the grandmother of Michaela, Olivia, Noah and Nicholas Zertuche. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Sr., her infant son Richard and her parents Donaciano "Chanito" and Dominga Valdez. Beatriz is survived by her brother Victor (Anna) Valdez her loving sister and brother in law Jenny and Rudy Perez also of Gilroy. Her primary caregivers were her "heart of gold" nephew Art Fuentez and her neighbor Linea "Lilly" Magana. She also had many nieces and nephews.
Beatriz was born in Del Rio, Texas in 1927. She was the eldest of 3. At around the age of 18 she began work at Filice and Perrelli (the cannery) and continued her seasonal work there for more than 45 years. She met the "love of her life" at a dance in San Jose. They soon married, settled in Gilroy, were married for 22 years, and had 3 sons.
Beatriz was a charismatic catholic, was a devoted member of the Monday night prayer group at St. Mary. She loved the Lord and everyone unconditionally. She was a peacemaker.
Beatriz's extended family includes the patients and staff at Satellite Dialysis in Gilroy, who extended the quality of her life by more than 5 years when her kidneys failed her.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to your favorite charity in her name.
Beatriz will be dearly missed and her family is rejoicing for her. We will be celebrating her life with a viewing Friday, March 12 at 1:00 with a Vigil beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 Fourth Street, Gilroy, CA. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am Saturday, March 13 at St. Mary Church, burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Gilroy.