Teresa "Tessie" Galvez

Teresa “Tessie” Galvez, age 89 and a lifelong resident of Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, was called home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Tessie was born on Sunday, December 2, 1934, in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Magdalena Rivera and Rafael Vargas. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Veronis and Antonio Rivera. Tessie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rafael Vargas and Magdalena Otero, and Veronis and Antonio Rivera; her parents-in-law, María and Francisco Galvez; husband of 54 years, Donald Galvez; daughter, Yolanda Galvez; and granddaughter, Maggie Galvez; sister, Alice Varela; nephew, Robert Gurule; sisters-in-law, Griselda Chavez and Amelia Galvez; brothers-in-law, Daniel Martinez, Hipolito Chavez. Joe Martinez, and Amadeo Galvez; and best friends Priscilla Gutierrez and Celina Gallegos.

Tessie is survived by her daughters, Bernadette Galvez and Melissa Valdez (Alex); her son, Matthew Galvez (Mark); granddaughter, Mariah Galvez; sisters-in-law, Cristela Martinez, Gilia Martinez, and Elizaida Galvez; brother-in-law, Guadalupe Galvez; and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.

Tessie will always be remembered for her faith, her love for her family, and her willingness to help her friends. She was a devout Catholic and member of the Holy Family and the Guadalupanas. She enjoyed watching Lobo basketball and listening to the Trojans’ games.

Rosary will be recited Friday December 15, 2023 at 10:15AM at St Mary's Catholic Church in Ojo Caliente with Funeral Mass to follow at 11AM. Interment will be Monday December 18, 2023 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11AM. 

Serving the family as pallbearers are Lee Baca, Gary Martinez, Ramon Varela, Christopher Elebario, Cornelio Lopez, Jr., and Albino Archuleta.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Lawrence Gurule, Urban Gutierrez, Alex Valdez, Paul Archuleta, Vernon Jaramillo, Guadalupe Galvez, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.