Elizabeth F. Valdez

Elizabeth F. Valdez, age 86, passed away on October 25, 2024. Born in Chicago on April 8, 1938, to Klem and Alice (Piontke) Wittek, Elizabeth grew up helping in her family’s business, Wittek Golf, which sparked a lifelong love for the game. On June 16, 1956, she married Gordon Valdez and moved to France while he served in the Army. Together, they adopted two children, Danielle and Christopher.

Elizabeth was strong-willed, independent, and beautiful inside and out. An avid golfer, she had four holes-in-one over the years and was a founding member of Turnberry Country Club in Lakewood. She loved sharing the game with her granddaughters and made countless memories on the course. Elizabeth also enjoyed reading and spending time with her many friends and family. 

She is survived by her partner, Kenneth Terry; her children, Danielle Link and Christopher Valdez; her grandchildren, Alexandra (Kurtis) Hartwig, Samantha Baumgartner (fiancé Matthew Nagel), and Christopher Valdez; and her great-grandson, Gordon Hartwig.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Klem and Alice Wittek; her husband, Gordon Valdez; and her brother, Robert Wittek.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 AM until the service at 12:00 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.