Ernestine Maria Pacheco

Ernestine (Tina) was born in 1938 in Embudo, NM to Abelino and Genara Gurule. Tina went to be with her loving Lord and Savior on March 7, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters: Benito, Juniver, Abelino Jr., Mejirio, Josefina, Rosalia, Edna, Leonarda and Eneda. Brother-in-Law, Teodoro Roybal, Nephews, Paul and Henry. 

Tina grew up in Rio Lucio and graduated from Penasco High School. After high school she went to work at the Penasco Movie Theatre where she gained customer service skills. This is where she met her love of her life, Michael Pacheco. He saw her working and was smitten by her and soon after that they were married in October 1962. Her and Michael moved to California and she began a career in the airline business with the Boeing Industry. She worked in the parts department and soddered parts and assembled computer chips. While in Los Angeles they had two adorable children Jerry and Lori. 

They moved back to Penasco in 1969. Tina was a passionate cook and baker and she made a career as a cook in the restaurant industry. Tina worked for Camp Summer Life in Sipapu, NM in the summer as a prep cook. She then went to work for the Holiday Inn in Taos, NM as a Sou Chef. She excelled in her position and was recognized “Employee of the Month.” Tina then worked for a while at the Ohkay Casino where she was a Sou Chef. 

Tina was a seamstress and enjoyed sewing clothes for herself and for Lori and would make matching outfits. Tina also made clothes for her sisters Leonarda and Eneda and for her special nephew Henry.

After Tina’s career ended she continued her passion in baking and cooking. She made the best empanaditas, tortillas, bread and prune pasetlitos. Her customers would pre order for weddings, graduations and special occasions. Tina still remained busy participating in the Farmers Market in Taos, NM. She would sell out of all her goods and would get home early. Tina also set up a Food Truck at the annual Fiestas De San Antonio where she would sell the absolute best Bean and Red Chile Burritos, Tamales, Hamburgers and empanadas and pastelitos. 

Tina was a devout Holy Catholic woman who attended mass every Sunday and during the week. She was a devoted religious woman who dedicated her time every Friday to the Holy Sacrament. She was always praying the rosary for everyone whether they were sick or just needed prayers. 

Tina is survived by her son Jerry and friend Michelle, Lori Johnson and husband Ken. Grandchildren, Sammy Pacheco, Thomas Pacheco, Gabrielle Martinez and Suzie Sena, and Derek Johnson. Sister-In-Law Lillian Gurule, nephews and nieces Billy Gurule and wife Bella, Johnny Gurule, Carol Duran and husband Philbert, Lina Cartagena and husband Carlos, Michael Roybal and wife Audrey and Marvin Roybal.

The Rosary and Mass will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Anthony’s Church in Penasco and the burial will follow on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe.