Cecilia "Cissy" Vargas

Our sweet angel Cecilia “Cissy” Virginia Vargas returned to heaven on May 10, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Cissy was born in 1948 in San Francisco, California to Alicia and Elias Vargas. She spent her younger years in California and moved to Taos when she was 11 years old. Born with Down syndrome, Cissy was loved, adored and cherished by many. She greatly surpassed everyone’s expectations and inspired her siblings, niece and nephews to pursue college and careers involving service to others. Cissy was an original client of the EnSueños Y Los Angelitos Development Center (formerly Taos ARC) and attended the program for 42 years where she enjoyed many activities and special friendships she made there. Her joy came from the excitement of being picked up for school, engaging in social and learning activities at school, and enriching the lives of everyone she knew. Cissy loved to enjoy life, to dance, and to make others laugh. She loved to listen to Elvis and do the twist. Her smile and affection were contagious. She greatly loved her many relatives including her nephews Mickey, Marc, Steven, Elias, Anthony, Isaac, Matthew, Lance, Tyler and her only niece, Hilary. During the past few years, she was provided exceptional care and support by many angels including Carmela, Anna, Patty, Christy, Marisol, Jackie, Amy, Bonnie, Laura, and Jill. Cissy was our teacher and taught us about life, love, and caring for people every day. Ten years ago, the family established a scholarship in her name awarded annually to Taos High School students who pursue a college degree seeking to enrich the lives of people with different abilities. Cissy was preceded in death by her “Daddy”, Elias Vargas, grandparents Enrique and Sofia Vargas, and Juan Manuel and Higinia Martinez. She is survived by her mother, Alicia Vargas, Aunts Delia Martinez and Julia Vargas, and her younger siblings: Libby, Lee (Jana), Anna (Lawrence), and Carmela (Mark). While she will be greatly missed by all, Cissy will live on in our hearts and lives forever.Rosary was recited with Funeral mass following on May 13, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos. Interment was held on May 16, 2016 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers include Michael, Marc, & Steven Perez, Elias & Hilary Vargas, Tyler Gutierrez, and Lorin Yannarella. Honorary pallbearers include Anthony Baca, Isaac and Matthew Gonzales and Lance Gutierrez. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cissy Vargas Scholarship Fund (checks payable to Dr. Edward Lee Vargas - PO Box 344, Taos, NM 87571). Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.