Jennifer Espinueva Valdez passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on the morning of Feb. 7, 2006, after a fierce 15-month battle with cancer.

Jennifer was born on July 11, 1976 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She spent most of her childhood at the various Naval bases where her father was stationed, and moved to Oak Harbor in 1988. Jennifer graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1994 and went on to attend the University of Washington to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Eventually, she found her passion in real estate and enjoyed a successful career with Windermere in Oak Harbor.

Jennifer is survived by her loving and caring husband, Ryan Valdez, and by their beloved son, Cole. She will be profoundly missed by her father and mother, Eddie and Dolly Espinueva, sister Jaymee, brother Jan, father and mother-in-law Ralph and Helene Valdez, all from Oak Harbor, brother-in-law Brian Dershem, sister-in-law Mona Dershem, nephew Bailey and niece Madison of Spokane.

Her infectious smile will be missed by all whose lives she has touched.

Vigil services for Jennifer were held Feb. 10. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Oak Harbor with Rev. David Young as Celebrant. Cremation will follow with private family inurnment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a trust fund for Cole Tyler Valdez at any branch of Whidbey Island Bank. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.