ROCHELLE — Sarah Carlota Valdivieso, age 91, went home to be with her Lord on January 29, 2025 surrounded by her family after an adventurous life.
Sarah was born in Ibarra, Ecuador, the youngest of five children, three preceded her in death. She married the late Gonzalo A. Valdivieso, and six children were born to them. In 1963 they began a new adventure in the United States, starting in Rockford and eventually raising their family in Rochelle. She overcame so many obstacles beginning with learning English by watching T.V. and listening to English lessons on a set of records that she bought. She taught herself to read and write in English and was constantly watching educational programs and telling us about what she learned. She mastered the most important language of all, love…and everyone understood her. Our mother was incredibly determined to succeed in anything that she set her mind to. She held various positions from machine operator, nanny, housekeeping, and ending her career as a Cosmetologist. Her favorite, however, was being our “Mami”, “Abu”, “Chubs”, “Abuela”, and “Abuelita” to all who knew and loved her! Nobody was a stranger to her; they instantly became her best friend!
Sarah loved God and prayed day and night. She loved spending time in St. Peter’s Chapel in South Beloit whenever she was able, asking for people’s names to pray for even if she did not know them. She had a strong faith that she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She would say “God is always with us; with him all things are possible.” She never tired of reminding us to pray, “Rezara!” She loved spending time with her family, laughing and joking around. In her mind and spirit, she was a teenager at heart and connected with all kids. Her love for animals was on a different level all together, I think she was the original dog whisperer! She spoke their language and would always tell us “we are the dummy ones, animals are so intelligent!”
Sarah leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Monica Finnestad, Gonzalo (Carolyn) Valdivieso, Ivan (Sonja) Valdivieso, Ramiro (Margaret) Valdivieso, Xavier (Jeana) Valdivieso, Lorena (Scott) Meyers. Grandchildren, Yvette Finnestad, Nicole Finnestad, Sarah Stephens (Bryan), David (Kortney) Valdivieso, Anna (Tom) Smith, Christopher Valdivieso, Tony (Susan) Valdivieso, Joshua Valdivieso, Benjamin (Megan) Valdivieso, Gabriel (Larissa) Valdivieso, Elijah (Alison) Valdivieso, Courtney (Patty) Meyers, and Spencer Meyers. 18 great grandchildren, her sister Magdalena Pareja Rosales and numerous nieces and nephews.
A special heartfelt thanks and gratitude to OSF Hospice, Dr. Sarah Whelan and our A-Team; Rev. Alvin, Angie, Allison, Andrea and Amy. Also to Kenisha, her Humana Care Coach. God placed these special people in our lives to make her and our journey easier.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or your favorite animal shelter. A celebration of life will be held this summer.
