Tila Provencio Shaya

Age 82, passed away peacefully August 4, 2019. Tila was born in 1936 in Anthony, NM/TX. She proudly claimed she was born on the NM side; however, this was subject to great debate at family gatherings.  Tila was not only proud of her upbringing in Hatch, NM, but extremely proud of being a 1954 Graduate of Hatch Valley High, where being Valedictorian of her class, Cheerleader and Homecoming queen was just the beginning of a life long list of accomplishments. 

Tila excelled in everything she did, being the first in her family to graduate from college receiving degrees from UNM and College of Santa Fe. Later attending the Gemological Institute of America and through the Family Jewelry business became an award-winning Jewelry Designer. Tila also excelled at modeling, having a career that spanned over 30 years.  Tila’s love of sports wasn’t limited to just a spectator, she bowled for several years representing the Shaya Jewelry Bowling team at national tournaments.  In her later years she spent most of her recreational time playing golf, and on April 11, 1992, become a member of the Hole in One Club.  While playing city league softball, she met her husband Paul a partnership that lasted for over 48 years.

Tila is preceded in death by her parents Agapito and Maria Quinones Provencio; loving husband Paul, brothers Jake, Augie and Ben Provencio. She is survived by her son, Robin, her niece Debbie Urig and nephew Ted Berridge whom she considered her children as well, sister Lucy Berridge, sisters-in-law Kay Provencio (Las Cruces), Helen Provencio (Merced, CA), Elinor Hanosh (Grants), Joann of Albuquerque, brother Joe and wife Marilyn of Golden Colorado, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family would like to give a very special thanks to Tila’s friends especially Kelly Blea and Diana Vigil for being who you are, loving Tila and being there for her in her times of need.

A Rosary will be recited at The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, funeral Mass at 10:00 am and Internment at Rosario cemetery following. In Lieu of flowers, it was Tila’s wish that donations be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505.