Dalia Nunez Valdes' Obituary
Dalia Nunez Valdes, aged 103, of Tampa, FL, passed away on September 5th 2025. She was born on December 15th, 1921, in Tampa, FL to Ramon Sr. and Benigna Nunez, and grew up as the youngest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Valdes, Sr. daughter, Elaine Valdes Menendez, and son-in-law Carlos Menendez III. She is survived by her son Arthur Valdes Jr and wife Joan Valdes, son Dennis Valdes and wife Angie Valdes, grandchildren, Art Valdes III and his wife Elizabeth, Marie Valdes Sasso and her husband Mike, Jason Menendez, Ryan Menendez, Lauren Valdes Lebron and her husband Emilio, and six loving great-grandchildren: Cameron Valdes, Christopher Valdes, Dalia Valdes, Veronica Sasso, Zoe Lebron and Lainey Lebron.
Throughout her life, Dalia knew the importance of hard work. She owned her own shop on Howard Avenue, worked in the women’s department of Montgomery Ward in both the original Dale Mabry location and the second Tampa Bay Center location (opening the first store and closing the latter), and worked at Tampa Bay Blvd Elementary in her later working years. Aside from her work outside of the home, we knew her as Abuela, who we loved as the matriarch of our family. She always offered a warm home to celebrate holidays and shared the love she felt for her family and friends. All were invited and welcomed. And Dalia will always be remembered with love and affection.
After losing her husband in 1988, she continued to live a vibrant life traveling the country, from gambling in Las Vegas and Biloxi to visiting her family in New York City and New Jersey. She will be remembered for her energy and active lifestyle throughout her later years.
Services will be held at Boza and Roel on Armenia Ave. on Friday, September 12th. Visitation with family and friends starting at 10am, with service at noon.
What’s your fondest memory of Dalia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dalia?
Share a story where Dalia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dalia you’ll never forget.
How did Dalia make you smile?
