Odila Medina

Odila Vigil Medina, 87, of Arroyo Hondo passed away on August 04, 2020. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Thelma Mares, sons, Moises and Daniel Medina, infant son, Leonard, granddaughter, Patricia Martinez Medina, Godson, Raymundo Vigil, and 10 siblings, Pacomio, Cordelio, Odila (after which she was named), Eulalia, Dolores, Della, Rosita, Hilaria, Adonelia, and Julian.  She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Tony Francisco Medina, children, Berlinda Montoya (Joe), Melba Trujillo (Robert), Charlene Austin (Dean), Anthony Medina (Virginia), Doreen Martinez (Joaquin), and Flavio Medina, son-in-law, Frank Mares, daughter-in-law, Brenda Medina, great-grandson whom they were raising, Isaac Medina, grandchildren, Joella, Joleen (Delaney), Francisco (Mario), Jaime (Vanessa), Contessa, Stacey (Isaac), Avery (Edna), Andrea, Moises, Danielle (Justin), Noah (Taylor), Joaquin, Reynie, Vanessa and Tony, 18 great-grandchildren, Godchildren, Fabiola Salazar-Silva, Edwina Arellano Stewart and Margaret Abeyta, brother-in-law, Juan Medina (Beatrice), sister in law, Reynie Medina, loving niece and caretaker, Christine Vigil, and many cherished nieces and nephews by which she was dearly loved.

Born and raised in Arroyo Hondo, Odila raised her 9 children near the river-side home where she was born and spent her childhood. She continued to serve her community as a devout Catholic, a Guadalupana, and a singer with the choir at the Our Lady of Sorrows Church, often singing the “La Entriega” for weddings and leading “la marcha” (the wedding march), a great honor for deep-rooted New Mexicans. Recognized throughout her community wearing one of her fancy hats, she was known for her keen sense of style and loved by many for her gift for telling chistes (jokes/riddles) and stories.

Odila’s greatest joy and purpose was being a mother and grandmother to her family. Although her unbreakable faith, great big heart, unconditional love, and feisty nature will be dearly missed, her legacy continues through her family. Through her coveted dishes (homemade bread, pancakes, mush, pineapple pie, jellies), deep love and commitment to tradition and culture, joy from New Mexican music, gift for storytelling and joking, she lives on within her family and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Due to the covid19 pandemic, rosary and funeral mass will be held privately.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com.