Lucy Sanchez Jaramillo

Lucy Maryann Jaramillo (née Maryann Lucy Sanchez) of El Rito, New Mexico, passed away at home on September 28, 2024, after a months-long fight with an incurable form of cancer.

Heaven surely has gained an angel. Lucy praised God her entire life, and through good times and hard times, her faith remained rock solid. She regularly attended services and even played drums for several years at worship services. Lucy read the Bible daily and filled handwritten books with favorite verses, often quoting them to friends, family, and strangers alike. Her all-time favorite verse was PHILIPPIANS 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. She lived that verse to the fullest, enjoying a full and prayerful life after recovering from what could have been a debilitating stroke, decades ago.

A sensational cook, Lucy was always in the kitchen making something. She bestowed superbly prepared meals, baked goods, canned fruits and jellies, and even homemade fudge, on appreciative (and sometimes unsuspecting) recipients, near and far. Being at Lucy’s home, seeing her delivering a treat, or even getting a package from her in the mail was sure to be a gastronomic delight.

Lucy’s love for her family was only surpassed by her love of God. She was a Christian with an ever-positive outlook. She believed in judgement, of course, but also God’s mercy. She had a playful side, too. Even as her time drew near, she joked with bedside caregivers, making faces over vile tasting medicines or pretending to box when asked to do an uncomfortable task.

Lucy was born on June 12, 1943, in Leadville, Colorado and married the love of her life, Jose “Joe” Jaramillo, on October 22, 1961, in Center. Together they lived and eventually grew their family in New Mexico and Colorado, with stops in Center, Minturn, and Leadville, Colorado, then in Los Alamos, New Mexico, finally retiring to El Rito for the last two decades.

Lucy was predeceased by Joe on September 12, 2024. 

She is survived by:

Four children: Joyce LaCome (Michael) of Leadville, Colorado; Pearl Dwyer (Jim) of Knoxville, Tennessee; Jose Lucio Jaramillo, Jr. of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Michelle Tapia (Rick) of Santa Fe, New Mexico,

Twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren,

And siblings Frances Collinsgru of Center, Colorado, Jerry Sanchez (Gloria) of Westminster, Colorado, Betty Ann “Gina” Gonzalez (Carlos) of El Rito, New Mexico, and Michael Sanchez (Darlene) of Monte Vista, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Victory Faith Church of Espanola, New Mexico, or cancer-related charities, in memory of Lucy Jaramillo.

The service for both Joe and Lucy will be held at Victory Faith Church, 823 Angel Duran Drive, Espanola, on Saturday, October 12th, at 11:00 am. 

Lucy said she preferred a service replete with colorful clothes, not traditional funeral garb.

Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola thanks the Jaramillo family for their trust at this time. Please leave messages for the family or stories and photos of Lucy's life here.