Maria V. Atencio

We are greatly saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Mamacita and Grandma, Maria Viola Atencio, who passed away peacefully in her family home in Tierra Amarilla, NM on Monday, August 29, 2022 at the age of 94. She fought a long and courageous battle, and we find our peace and comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering.

Viola was born in Tierra Amarilla, NM on September 23, 1927 to her mother, Francisquita Luna and her father, Amarante Casias. She was preceded in death by her loving parents; beloved husband, Jose Silviano Atencio; and her siblings Cleotilde Galves (Daniel), Felipe Casias (Rosabra), Cristobal Casias (Ascencion), Adela Casias, Cordelia Casias, Reynaldo Casias (Leonor), Rudolfo Casias (Consuelo), Leopoldo Casias(Cimona), Julio Casias, and Maria Pacheco (Noe), and Godson Amarante Casias.

She is survived by her son- Silviano Atencio (Margie), grandchildren Lupe Ferrell (Charlie) - {Alexandria, Felicity, Charlie Jr., Faron} ; Angelica Atencio -{RJ and Gabby} ; son Richard Atencio (Juanita) grandchildren- Jennifier Trujillo (Ernesto) and RIchard Adam Atencio(Della)- {Mariano and Solis} ; daughter-Patricia A. Alvarado, grandchildren Juan Jose Alvarado(Miquella)-{Brandon, Maliah, and Laney}, Maria Livingston (Joe)-{Elliott and Sonia}, Teresa Gomez (Marcus)-{Moses, Jude, and Noa}, Antonio Alvarado (Renae)- {Gabriel and Viola}; daughter- Francisquita Castellano (Lawrence) grandchildren{ Jose Castellano (Karrie)-{Arianna, Augustine, and Anaya}, Andrea Ortiz (Larry) -{ Lucas and Natalia}, Marcos Castellano, and Carlos Castellano (Joselinn); son-Felipe Atencio (Ruby) grandchildren- Reynaldo Atencio (Michelle)-{Justin and Miquella}, Estevan Atencio (Kaitlyn) and Tomas Atencio; daughter Carmella Varoz (Larry) grandchildren - Esperanza Varoz, Alicia Varoz, and Nico Varoz; daughter Anna Atencio and grandson Randy Ferrell (Makeely) whom she raised like her son. She had many godchildren, nieces and nephews, and beloved friends whom she loved very dearly.

Our Mamacita was a devout Catholic and always lived by her faith. Her love for our Lord was profound; she prayed her rosary every day for each of her family and friends, and anyone who requested prayers. She was a prayer warrior to many people. Our Mamacita prayed endlessly to San Antonio Milagroso, and Jesus, Mary, and Joseph; they were her strength during the last few months of her illness. She loved her small Santo Niño Church and took pride in selling her annual raffle tickets. She was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and faithfully prayed her rosary every time they played. Our Mamacita loved cooking, singing and dancing, watching Young and the Restless, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. She loved going to the casino and sharing her winnings with her grandchildren. She took great pride in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. In her younger years, our Mamacita was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and a mayordoma of the church. She played Santa Claus at Christmas, drove a feeder route for the local school, and so much more. She loved sharing recipes, memories, and treasured every visit with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Our Mamacita always ended any conversation, phone call, or visit with “Que Dios te bendiga con amor, alegria y salud por los restos de tu vida y despues la mia.” Her Love for her FAMILY was the most important thing to her, and she showed it in so many ways. Vaya con Dios, Mamacita Bonita.

Services are as follows:

Rosary & Fellowship: Friday, September 9, 2022 at 7:00 PM - Santo Niño Church-Tierra Amarilla, NM

Funeral: Saturday, September, 10, 2022 at 10:30 AM- Santo Niño Church-Tierra Amarilla, NM

Burial: Las Nutrias Cemetery following funeral mass

Reception at the Parish Hall in Los Ojos, NM following burial.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone for their calls, texts, and visits during this difficult time and for all their support: prayer, food, and friendship! Special thanks to the nurses from Addus Hospice Care for the care, patience, and love they showed our Mamacita and our family during her illness.  Also, to Rivera Family Mortuary for taking care of our Mamacita while in their care.