It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend, VALERIE ANN HERNANDEZ.  She was a shining light in everyone's lives and will forever be remembered for her kindness, sweet smile, boundless curiosity, and compassion.

Valerie was born September 9, 1995.  She was a graduate of Gadsden High School where she was a member of the track team and cross-country team, as well as the Honor Society.  After graduation, she attended New Mexico State University where she majored in kinesiology.  While attending NMSU, she worked at La Semilla where she developed a love for bees and sunflowers.  After graduating in May 2019, she started her career as a Physical Therapist Tech at Border Therapy Services and worked there until September 17, 2024, the day of her passing.

Valerie is survived by her parents Lupe and Maria Hernandez; sister, Erica Harlan (Dave); brother, Patrick Hernandez (Rosa); niece, Euryale; nephew, Zayvion; maternal grandmother, Cipriana Rodriguez; partner, Mat Greeley; and her loving fur babies, Copper, Loki, and Freyja, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Guillermo Rodriguez, and paternal grandmother, Paula Hernandez.

Visitation for Valerie will be Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 224 Lincoln Street in Anthony, with the viewing at 10AM, followed by the Prayer Vigil at 10:30AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM.  Following the church services, a celebration of life will be held at the VFW in Anthony, NM.  Inurnment services will take place later with a private family ceremony.

Serving as casket bearers will be Patrick Hernandez, Mat Greeley, Roel Guerra, Steve Lopez, Dave Harlan, and Guillermo Rodriguez.

The family extends a special "Thank you" to the Border Therapy Services and Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, especially to her co-workers that were present in her time of need.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Valerie's behalf to La Semilla Food Center.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com