Sandra Vieira

Sandra T. Vieira passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, from a broken heart and other health issues, on Sunday August 21st, 2022.

Sandra was born on Tuesday, November 29th, 1955, to Rosendo G. Maez and Teresa U. Maez, in Espanola, New Mexico. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1973. She was a self-proclaimed introvert as a child. In high school she began to come out of her shell. She competed in the 1972 Santa Fe Junior Miss pageant, was named a member of the Santa Fe Fiesta Royal court as Princesa in 1977 and joined the New Mexico Army National Guard shortly after that, serving until 1992. Her service took her on travels all over the world.

Her parents were always proud of her accomplishments, especially her military service, as her father served in the Army as well. After her military career ended, she worked in various administrative and financial positions at Sunwest Bank, Forest Trust, and the State of NM in the Public Education Department, Department of Transportation and ultimately the Department of Public Safety. Her ultimate pride and joy were her grandchildren. She loved them dearly and if you met her, you immediately heard stories about them, shortly followed by stories of her canine children, Raine and Izzo (short for Chorizo), whom she affectionately called her little shadows.

Sandra was a woman of color, light, and fun, with an infectious and recognizable laugh. Her wonderful, loving heart extended to many, and she made friends with just about everyone she would meet. She rarely left anyone feeling like a stranger. After her husband Larry passed away in June of this year, she tried her best to be strong but couldn’t be without him. She made her way into heaven and his loving arms, dancing and finally at peace.

She was preceded in death by his parents, and her husband. She is survived by her daughter Crystal Vieira, son Antonio Vieira (Olympia); grandchildren Miguelangelo “Michael” Salas, Marialysa “Mari/Rysa” Salas, Mateo Vieira and Dean Vieira; brother Anthony “Tony” Maez (Cathy Alire-Maez), sister Carla Gomez (Rick), brother-in-law Mark Vieira (Janice), sister-in-law Linda Vieira; special nephews Diego and James Gomez as well as many numerous nieces, nephews, many beloved extended family members, countless friends and her canine children, Raine and Izzo.

        A Rosary and Celebration of Life will be held on August 30, 2022 at 10:30 am at the Kiva of Light chapel, and interment of ashes at the National Cemetery at 12:30, with a reception immediately to follow at the Nancy Rodriguez Community Center (1 Prairie Dog Loop, Santa Fe NM 87507).