Cordilia R. Aguilar

Cordilia R. Aguilar, 82, a life-long resident of Peñasco, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2006, following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, former Taos County Commissioner Amador Romero and wife Leonardita; brothers Rev. Porfirio Romero, Nelson Romero, Miguel Romero, Celestino Romero; and grandson, Jerome Aguilar. Cordilia is survived by her husband of 55 years, Abenancio Aguilar of Peñasco; sister, Candelaria Aguilar, El Valle, brother, Samuel Martinez, Albuquerque; children, Wilfredo and wife Gaylen, Peñasco, Eduardo and wife Dolores, Ojo Caliente, Louella and husband Antonio Gurulé, Los Lunas, Dolores and husband Ned Martinez, Peñasco, Andy, Albuquerque, and Daniel and wife Amie , El Prado. Grandchildren, Lorrie, Marylou Cordelia, Jabé, Antonia, Cassie, Natalia, Rubel, Ned, Nicole, Daniel Esteban, Ariana, and great-grandson Isaiah. She will also be missed by her extended family, on the Romero and Aguilar side of the family who considered her their second mom and favorite tía. A member of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church of Peñasco, Cordelia was born in the tiny mountain village of El Valle on the Rio Las Trampas. She followed her brothers and sisters to the Presbyterian mission schools of Allison James in Santa Fe and Menaul in Albuquerque via the Chili Line railroad in Embudo. She attended classes at UNM and eventually earned a BA in education from Highlands University. Cordelia taught for 33 years throughout small rural schools in Taos County. She concluded her teaching career in the Penasco Independent School system where she taught Home Economics at the High School and Title I reading classes. Her passion in her life was homemaking and doting over her grandchildren as well as caring for her hummingbirds and flowers. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, March 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Peñasco. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Cordelia's name be made to Menaul School in Albuquerque, NM. Checks may be mailed to Advancement Office/301 Menaul Blvd. NE/Albuquerque,NM 87107.