Pauline Apodaca

Pauline Apodaca, a resident of Santa Fe, NM, passed away peacefully with her son at her side on January 25, 2022, at the age of 76. She is proceeded in death by her second husband John Apodaca; father, John Catanach; mother, Eduvigen (Griego) Catanach; her son Matthew Valdez; and step-grandson Isaiah Apodaca.

Pauline was born October 30, 1945, in Tesuque, NM. She graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1964 after which she met and married Alessandro Valdez in 1965, the father of her children. She proudly served as head of the Residence at the Governor’s Mansion under Governor Bruce King and went on to work for and retire from the State of New Mexico after over 25 years of service. Near the end of her retirement, she met and married her second husband, John Apodaca of Velarde, NM. Pauline was the pillar of her family and known by many for her master baking skills, hospitality, and charismatic personality. She was a devoted Catholic who prayed the rosary daily and homage to the Holy Family. She enjoyed and was known for her cake decorating, tortillas, cookies, and arts and crafts. She also often enjoyed visiting the casino where she was a master slots player. She was a loving mother to both of her sons and a wonderful caretaker and teacher to her grandchildren. Those who knew her often described her as having a heart of gold and as someone who would always be present and willing to help, or to listen to anyone that was in need.

Pauline is survived by her son, Leonard Valdez (Rebecca); step-children Janet Apodaca, Earl Apodaca; four grandchildren, Jackie Valdez, Lexi Valdez, Cruz Valdez, Vivian Valdez (Heaven), step-grandson Jared Apodaca; and great-grandchild Maddox. She is also survived by her siblings Ida Garcia (David); Henry Catanach; niece and God-daughter Rachel Araiza (Luis) along with their children, Abigail and Benjamin; niece Sarah Garcia; and nephew John Garcia. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A 5:00 pm rosary will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the Kiva Chapel of Light at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 417 East Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM. A Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 511 Alicia St., Santa Fe, NM on February 11, 2022 at 10:00 am, followed by interment at San Ysidro Church in Tesuque, NM. A reception will follow interment at the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE), 833 Early St., Santa Fe, NM. The family requests flower arrangements to be sent to Albertsons Market Street, 600 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM.