Betty Gallegos

Betty Nancy Gallegos – 08/29/36 – 02/21/24 

Our beloved mother, Betty Nancy Gallegos from Santa Fe, passed away peacefully at the age of 87, in the early morning hours of February 21, 2024.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Gallegos, her son John, her father and mother Eduardo and Emma Vigil, her two grandsons, Matthew and Gabriel Mares and great granddaughter Jacyana. 

Betty spent her early childhood in Santa Fe and a brief time in San Diego, California where she moved with her family.  It was where she met the dashing sailor Richard Gallegos, who later became her husband.  She attended Santa Fe public schools as well as Sandia View Academy in Corrales, New Mexico. 

Betty is survived by her beloved family, daughters, Diana Sanchez, Kathy Holmes (Wilbert), Corrine Pacheco (Presley Schmidt), Sandra Gallegos (Paul Dean), Rick Gallegos (Taila Lucero), Jeff Gallegos (Annette) and Emily Gallegos.  Her sisters, Frances Vigil and Patsy Martinez (David), brothers Edward Vigil (Josie), Daniel Vigil and Joseph Vigil.  Her brothers-in-law David Gallegos (Alice), Billy Gallegos (Margie), Rudy Gallegos (Imelda), Abie Gallegos (Clarabelle) Sisters-in-law Lupita Benavidez and Helen Gallegos and numerous other relatives and friends. 

Betty had eight children, sixteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and eight great, great grandchildren and treated them all the same.  She loved each and every one of us equally.  She had the heart of gold.  

Betty was an honorable woman, who always put God first.  She was a lifetime member of Santa Fe’s Seventh Day Adventist Church.  She nurtured a faith and believed in God.  

Betty was a woman totally committed to her family and always put the effort, time, and passion to accomplish all she could. 

She treated everyone she met with kindness, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.  It is no surprise that so many people were drawn to her. 

Betty was a social butterfly, she loved to talk and visit with anyone that came her way.  She had a beautiful personality, and her smile would light up a room.  She enjoyed walking and bowling.  

Mom, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, the world changes from year to year, lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you shall never pass away. 

As we say our goodbyes today, let us remember the love, laughter, and precious moments we shared.  May her memory live on in our hearts forever and may we find solace in knowing that she is resting in peace. 

Services to be held on March 8, 2024 @ 10:30 a.m. at Rivera’s Funeral Home, followed by the burial at the National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. 

Pallbearers will be Anthony Holmes, James Valdez, Joseph Vigil, Raymond Pacheco, Jason Valdez and Jonathan Gallegos.  Honorary Pallbearers are Jerrica Gallegos and Billy Mares.