Caroline Valdivia

Caroline “Cari” Valdivia, age “63” was taken into our Lord’s awaiting arms on Tuesday, Nov. 24th, following a battle with cancer.  Cari was born on Aug. 25, 1946, the daughter of Theresa and Jesus Gonzalez of San Fernando, CA.  Cari was married to Daniel “Danny” Valdivia formerly of Topeka on July 12, 1969.  They celebrated 40 years together and were blessed with 3 loving children.  Cari is survived by her husband Danny, her children Daniel, Jr. & Sandy, David & Shauna and Theresa Valdivia all of Muscatine, IA.  She will be missed by her grandchildren, and her loving guiding hand by David, Jr., Brendan, Isabelle, Donavan Valdivia and step-grandchild Rene.  She is also mourned by her parents Theresa & Jesus Gonzalez, two brothers, Carlos and Frank Gonzalez, three sisters:  Jessica Garcia, Annie and Roberta Gonzalez all of CA.  Cari will also be terribly missed by her Topeka family:  Amelia “Molly” & Frank Cervantez, nephews:  Chris & Janelle, Richard & Cindy, and Paul Cervantez; nieces:  Mary A. Luna, Cathy Cervantez, and Carol Martindale, as well as many great and great great nephews and nieces.  She is also mourned by Danny’s brother Ramiro “Jr.” & Carol Valdivia of UT.  Cari was employed as a hostess for 30 years as well as being a family member of Elms Restaurant.  Cari was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs and always had hoped to visit their stadiums.  She enjoyed the challenge of any crossword puzzle, but her greatest joy was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.  She always said that they were unique and were extremely blessed to her because they were each a gift from God.  She believed in our Lord and knew that in all things he could make life truly wonderful and amazing.  A memorial mass will ne celebrated in Topeka.  Services are pending at this time.  We each of her family are blessed for having the time we had with Cari in our lives.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.