Manuelita "Grandma Mela" Vigil

Manuelita “Grandma Mela” Vigil 

Manuelita Vigil, affectively known as “Grandma Mela,” passed away peacefully February 22, 2025, at her home in East Pecos – less than a month after her 88th birthday on January 28. Grandma Mela dedicated her life to family.

At the tender age of 16, Mela became a mom to her four younger sisters. She adopted them and cared for them lovingly until they reached adulthood.

In 1965, Mela married the love of her life Joe F. Vigil. The couple welcomed their first son, Joseph, in April of 1971 and Kenn in July of 1973. Her love was unwavering for her boys. Her sons, her husband, and her family meant the world to her. During her sons’ childhoods, she helped provide for family by waitressing at Casa de Herrera in Pecos.

Grandma Mela had such a strong and loving heart, that she welcomed many children in her home by providing caring and kindhearted childcare. Her love grew beyond the walls of the Vigil family’s home, she dedicated 19 years to the students at Pecos Independent Schools as a Foster Grandparent. She took great pride in her work at the schools. Grandma Mela’s compassionate heart allowed her to connect with young students. She worked directly with the kids who needed her the most – the ones in first grade who were struggling. She retired to take care of her husband, Joe, in 2007.

On August 2, 2002, she welcomed her grandson, Joshua Michael. Grandma Mela delighted to be a doting grandmother.

She will be remembered for her motherly spirit, her amorous heart, and for the food she made with love. Grandma Mela’s biscochitos were requested numerous times by many people as she perfected her recipe for the anise-filled cookies.

Grandma Mela was preceded in death by her husband Joe Vigil on January 11, 2023, her brother Ben, in-laws, Abel Jose Vigil and Benigna Vigil, and brother-in-law Abel Vigil. 

She is survived by sons, Kenn Vigil (girlfriend Angela Martinez and her children,) son, Joseph Vigil, grandson, Joshua Michael, her sisters, Peggy, Vicki, Patsy, Grace, and Deedee, and many relatives from Colorado and New Mexico. 

A viewing and rosary will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Rivera Funeral Home, 417 East Rodeo Rd. in Santa Fe. On Friday, March 14, a rosary and mass will take place at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish in Pecos. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, followed by a reception to honor Grandma Mela at American Legion Post 70 in Pecos.