Rebecca Catanach

Maria Rebecca Catanach, 90, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend was called to her eternal resting home in Heaven, May 25, 2024. She was born to Malaquias “Mac” Manzanares and Felipita Garcia Manzanares on February 6, 1934, in Rio Chama New Mexico.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years John Catanach, her father Malaquias “Mac” Manzanares, mother Felipita Garcia Manzanares, sisters Teodora (Eddie) Sisneros and Mary Lou (Bialquin) Baca, brother Frank (Mary) Manzanares, father-in-law Leo D. Catanach, mother-in-law Crucita Catanach, sister-in-law Tina McDuff (Gerald), brother-in-law Alfredo (Amelia), daughter-in-law Alice Catanach, special aunt Bernarda “Naya” Garcia and special uncle Roman Abad Garcia.

Rebecca is survived by her sister Felicia Maestas, her only daughter Cindy (Karl Arbanas), her seven sons; David (Maureen), Sam (Shirley), Robert (Alice deceased), John Jr., Mark (Mako), Phillip (Deena), and Carlos, also her twenty-five grandchildren; Tom (Kristen), Lauren, Josh, Sam Jr., Sherrie (Jonathan), Simon, Solomon, Samantha, Stefan, Simone, Michael, Juan Jose (JJ), Najullah, Ramon, Emma, Erin (Matheus), Chris, Renee, Luke, Nathan, Spencer, Gavin, Lorelai, Phineas, and Penelope, and seven great-grandchildren; Trinity, Niko, Bennett, Rebecca, Aiden, Matteo, and Amara. She also leaves behind many close relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Rebecca was raised in Northern New Mexico along the Rio Chama where she would fondly reminisce and tell stories of her adventures with her siblings and cousins at the ranches in Rio Chama and Medanales (Tierra Azul). John and Rebecca were married in 1955, making Santa Fe their home raising eight children. Rebecca was a graduate of Santa Fe Business College and worked at Mountain Bell for several years before becoming a stay-at-home wife/mother for her growing family.

Rebecca was wise, witty, and funny. She kept up with current events, enjoyed the casino, listening to morning KDCE radio, and genuinely enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a long-time member of St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church where she taught catechism for many years and was an active member of the community. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Special thanks to the team at St. Vincent Hospital, Compassus, and Santa Fe Care Center.

A Rosary will be recited on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Mass of the Christian Burial will be on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Interment will be Tuesday June 11, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.