Maria del Pilar Valbuena

Maria del Pilar Valbuena, lovingly known as Peanut, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 68.

Our family takes great comfort in her heavenly reunion with her beloved mother, Clara Ines Galindo Todaro; grandmother, Rosita Galindo Vega; her aunts, Gloria Vargas and Bettica Navia; her cousin, Rosie Vargas; her nephew, Rene Simoneaux, and all loved ones no longer with us.

Pilar is survived by her devoted children, Dominic Joaquin Andres Valbuena Orlando and Claudia Gabriella Valbuena Mejia; her son-in-law, Christopher Mejia; her beloved granddaughter, Catalina Ines Mejia. She is also survived by her siblings, Fernando Valbuena (Susie), Gina Valbuena, and Maria Valbuena; her nieces and nephews, Tammy Hanvey (Allen), Lizzie Barrois-Heron (Chris), Jonathan Barrois (Gina), and Vanessa Valbuena along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Pilar came to the U.S. before her second birthday and called New Orleans home for most of her life. Growing up in New Orleans, Pilar had fond memories of riding bikes and playing on Milan Street with her siblings and cousins. She attended McDonough No. 7 Elementary and Sophie B. Wright High School. Pilar was athletic and competitive, excelling as a tennis player and lifeguard during her teen and early adult years.

After earning her degree from the University of New Orleans, Pilar found her true calling in education. She served as a Spanish teacher in Jefferson Parish for over 20 years, most notably at West Jefferson High School. She had countless stories of her lively classroom and always encouraged her students to aim high and pursue their goals.

Pilar will be remembered for her joyful personality, hilarious story-telling, and generous heart. Even with modest means, she gave freely—whether through donations, bringing food to the homeless, or simply ensuring those around her felt cared for and valued. She never met a stranger and had a unique gift for connecting with people.

Pilar loved Mardi Gras parades, snoballs, dancing to cumbias, watching classic films and tv shows, and spending time with her family, who were the greatest joy of her life.

In 2023, Pilar moved to Houston to be near her daughter and embrace the most cherished chapter of her life: becoming a grandmother.

A celebration of Pilar’s life will be held in New Orleans the weekend of August 1, 2025. Details will be shared with loved ones in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Pilar’s honor to the ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/ or the Houston SPCA https://houstonspca.org/ ,to continue her legacy of compassion and generosity for all living beings.