Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Families in Santa Fe, Espanola, Taos, and Los Alamos, New Mexico

Severiana Varela

Severiana Varela

Jul 15, 2025

Severiana Varela

November 5, 1927 – July 15, 2025

Born in Moca, Puerto Rico

Severiana Varela passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025 surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nestor Varela Jr., and her son, Johnny Varela.

She is lovingly remembered by her eight daughters: Agapita, Sophie, Martha, Evelyn, Rose, Elvira, Cecilia, and Eliza. She is also survived...

Rosita "Rose" Montoya

Rosita "Rose" Montoya

Jul 14, 2025

Rosita Montoya, born on April 23, 1937, in Cerrillos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, in Santa Fe, surrounded by her loving family. She will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose life revolved around nurturing her family and creating lasting memories.

As a housewife, Rosita dedicated herself to raising her children, grandchildren,...

Maria Ercilia Montoya

Maria Ercilia Montoya

Jul 13, 2025

Maria Ercilia Montoya, lovingly known as Ercilia, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by her devoted family. A cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, Ercilia’s warmth and kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

She dedicated over three decades of service as head cashier at Furr’s Cafeteria, where...

Jane Quintana

Jane Quintana

Jul 12, 2025

With great sadness, the family of Jane Quintana, 63, of Alcalde, NM, announces her unexpected passing on July 12, 2025. This loss leaves a deep void in the hearts of her loved ones. Jane was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, Tia, daughter-in-law, and friend. 

Jane was born to Kate and Juan Lovato on May 15, 1962, in Santa Fe, NM....

Joseph Quintana

Joseph Quintana

Jul 12, 2025

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Carmen Louise Chacon

Carmen Louise Chacon

Jul 12, 2025

Carmen Louise (Montes) Chacon passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carmen began her journey on this Earth August 8, 1953, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to parents Rudolfo “Rudy” Montes (deceased) and Anna U. Lujan (deceased). She was raised by grandparents Amalia R. (deceased) and Alejandro Montes (deceased). She called Northern New Mexico home for...

Lee "Lilo" Romero

Lee "Lilo" Romero

Jul 11, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lee "Lilo" Romero, a beloved member of the Llano Quemado community, who left this world on July 11, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on February 4, 1960, Lee was the youngest of 15 children born to Hipolito and Lila Romero. His life’s journey was marked by unwavering...

Josie Gonzalez Ortega

Josie Gonzalez Ortega

Jul 10, 2025

Josie Gonzales Ortega, born on 2-8-1935, went to glory on 7-10-2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Doroteo and Manuelita Gonzales, husband, Tito Ortega, brothers, Don and Ernie Gonzales, in-laws, Reymundo Ortega and Erinea Ortega. In-laws: Nellie Ortega, Fred Ortega, Sofía, Bill Spencer, Benjie Ortega Sr, Aunt Polly Lucero and Feliz Garcia . Grandsons, Sebastian Ortega and Jeremy...

Billy "Bam Bam" Norman Valdez

Billy "Bam Bam" Norman Valdez

Jul 10, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Billy "Bam Bam" Norman Valdez on July 10, 2025. Born May 10, 1958 to Julian and Alice Valdez in Costilla, NM. He was a life long resident of the Costilla community.

Billy had one son. His legacy continues through Jeremy and Teresa Valdez, as well as his beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren,...

Juanita (Jane) Lopez

Juanita (Jane) Lopez

Jul 10, 2025

 Juanita (Jane) A. Lopez

July 11, 2025

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Juanita (Jane) Lopez. Her Heavenly Father, lead one of his angels back home. Juanita was ready to meet her creator. Juanita would remind anyone that was around her that it was always God’s will about what happens in...

Dennis Edward Mares

Dennis Edward Mares

Jul 10, 2025

Dennis Edward Mares, born on October 4, 1976, in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, shuffled off this mortal coil on July 10, 2025, after a long and valiant battle with illness. Dennis was indeed a local gem, shining as brightly as the Southwestern sun, and not just because of his impeccable taste in music.

From dropping beats as a DJ to...

Silviano Sanchez

Silviano Sanchez

Jul 9, 2025

Silviano Sanchez, born on October 4, 1938, in Llano De San Juan, New Mexico, passed away on July 9, 2025, in Española, New Mexico. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and a profound love for his family.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Anival, Demecio, Santos, and Amadeo Sanchez, sisters, Maria Martinez and Delfina Vasquez. Silviano...

Orcelia Evangeline Rael

Orcelia Evangeline Rael

Jul 7, 2025

Orcelia Evangeline Rael, 95, affectionately known to family and friends as Vangie or Lynn was born July 12, 1929, and died peacefully at home on July 7, 2025. She was 5 days from her 96th birthday.

In 1947, Vangie married Antonio Benito (Ben) Rael of Questa and together they celebrated 75 years of marriage, and they bore 6 children; Antonio Benito...

Damon Giovanielli

Damon Giovanielli

Jul 6, 2025

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, our community lost Damon Giovanielli, a happy, loving man, who “always had a sparkle in his eyes” and a longing to interact with those around him.

Damon was born in Teaneck, NJ on May 8, 1943 and stuck close to home for college, attending Princeton University. He went on to earn his PhD in physics from...

Caroline "Nina" Irene Arguello

Caroline "Nina" Irene Arguello

Jul 5, 2025

It is with deep sorrow but firm faith that we share, Caroline “Nina” Irene Arguello, 85, of Santa Fe, was called home to be with the Lord on July 5, 2025. She was born on July 22, 1939, in Ocate, NM, to Juan Albino Duran Sr. and Juanita Lucero. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She...

George Vargas

George Vargas

Jul 5, 2025

George Vargas, a longtime resident of White Sands New Mexico, and originally from Taos, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at the age of 70. 

Born on September 6, 1954, George was a proud 1973 graduate of Taos High School. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where...

Monica Padilla

Monica Padilla

Jul 5, 2025

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Monica Cecilia Padilla on July 5, 2025. She was 57 years old.

Monica was born on March 10, 1968, and was a lifelong resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Monica met her husband Leroy Padilla in the summer of 1983. They dated a few years and quickly fell in love. They...

Lawrence Lujan

Lawrence Lujan

Jul 5, 2025

In Loving Memory of Lawrence Lujan

Lawrence Lujan, age 101, passed away at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 5, 2025. He was born on March 6, 1924, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Candelario and Estefanita Lujan.

Lawrence resided with his family in Colorado for about a year before they returned to New Mexico to homestead in the Sabinoso area of...

Rudy "Dewey" Salazar Sr.

Rudy "Dewey" Salazar Sr.

Jul 5, 2025

Rudolfo “Dewey” Salazar Sr. passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old. Dewey was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Helen Salazar; his daughter Helene and her husband Pablo Fernandez; his son Rudolfo (Rudy) and his wife Sandy Salazar; his grandchildren...

Florentino Montano, Sr.

Florentino Montano, Sr.

Jul 4, 2025

Florentino Montano, Sr., born on November 24, 1937, in the vibrant town of Pecos, NM, departed from this world on July 4, 2025, during a serene transition embraced by the gentle opening of heaven's gates. He was a man defined by his generosity, laughter, and the spirited rhythm of life he cultivated through his passions and work.

A proud U.S. Navy...

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