Lillian Apodaca

Lillian (Lil) Apodaca, beloved wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, grandma, great-grandma, and friend, passed from this life on January 12th, 2020, leaving an indelible memory with each of us who knew and loved her. Her legacy will be treasured forever and will be joyfully passed on to future generations.

Words cannot express the ache and sense of loss felt by all of us whose lives she touched. She was known for bringing family together, having genuine concern for her many friends, prioritizing relationships and making time for the people in her life, for her hospitality, love for her family/relatives/grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her lively wit, ability to remember details, excellent work ethic, her forthrightness, the warm and inviting atmosphere in her home, and delicious homemade meals.

Lillian was born in Holman, NM on September 29, 1931, to her loving parents, Celina and Jose Lovato, and was blessed with three siblings: Will (Mary Lovato), Lucy (Richard Branch), and Marcia (Jim Hutton).

She was married to her husband Robert on July 22, 1963, in Los Alamos, and devoted herself to raising their twins who were born one year later. She also spent time working as a teller at First National Bank, then in travel at LANL. During this time, many around her knew of, and appreciated, the delicate balance that she kept between both her excellent work ethic and her fastidious homemaking skills.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Will, and her sister Lucy.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Robert Apodaca, their sons, Paul (Sandra) of Texas (granddaughters Jade and Kellie), and Robert (Susan) (grandson Jonathan (Kendra) (daughters Hadassah and Dellah), Nathan (Casey), Anthony, Leanna Jones (Christian Jones) (son Tovi), Krysta and Renee, all of Colorado). Lillian is also survived by her devoted sister Marcia and her husband Jim Hutton of Los Alamos, as well as many nephews and nieces.

We are thankful to Christ to have had the privilege of walking through life with Lillian and to be able to celebrate such a unique and wonderful person.

A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 6:30 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 17, 2020, at 10 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary.  A reception will follow the Mass at the Parish Hall.  Burial will take place after the reception at Guaje Pines Cemetery at 1 PM.