Tina S. Vigil

Tina S. Vigil 87, of Santa Fe, NM passed away on May 12, 2018. Tina was born on August 5, 1930 to Sarita Martinez and Antonio Sanchez in Lyden, NM. She is preceded in death by her son Lawrence N. Vigil, father Antonio Sanchez, mother Sarita Martinez Sanchez and brother Leandro Sanchez. Tina is survived by her daughters: Darlene Pickreign (Larry), Geraldine Vigil, son: William A. Vigil, grandchildren: Angela A.R. Montoya, Raymond J. Montoya Jr., (Diane), Jolene Jones, great grandchildren: Monique L. Montoya and John Paul Montoya, sister: Rose Saiz (Tom) from San Antonio, TX, brothers: Richard Sanchez (Rommie), Leo Sanchez (Yolanda). Tina retired April 1, 1988 from the Department of Finance and Administration. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends. In her younger days she was always ready to go dancing. She was fun and happy. Tina would say “God go with you.” A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 7:00pm at St. Anne’s Catholic Church Mass will be on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10:00am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The Vigil Family would like to extend their gratitude to Amber Care Hospice health aide Ericka Nurse Lynn and Chaplin Hollis (for the help with Eulogy visits). I felt comfortable while away from my mother because I had trust in the treatment given to her by Eva Olguin and Adriana Serrano, Home Instead caregivers. Pallbearers: Dixie Arndt, John Paul Montoya, Monique Montoya, Jimmy Lee Saiz, Randy Saiz, Ray Montoya. Honorary Pallbearer: Tommy Lee Saiz. The family would also like to thank family and friends who have shared their time and memories with us at this time and throughout her life. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Carmelites Monastery. A Look at the Life of Tina Vigil August 5, 1930 – May 12, 2018 [This eulogy was written by Tina’s daughter Geraldine with memories from the family.] Tina was born on August 5, 1930, in Lyden, also known as El Bosque, New Mexico. She was known as Mom, Mama Tina, Grandma, Sister, Tia and friend, and she will be dearly missed by many people. Tina spent her young life with her parents Antonio and Sarita Sanchez in Lyden. She had a sister and two brothers, and one other brother who died when he was young. Tina was the oldest. Her parents raised their children to believe in God, the power of prayer, and love for family and neighbors. At age 15, Tina lost her Grandmother Ruperta Sanchez, who was raising her orphaned grandchildren. On the weekends, Tina would go home to Lyden. Tina’s cousins Santiago and Frank Sanchez and Sophia Martinez Maestas also helped their grandmother and treated Tina as a little sister- one with a strong will who was very independent. She was a handful, especially if an audience was available. Tina helped her grandmother until Ruperta died in 1945. Tina married for the first time when she was young and had daughters Darlene and Geraldine. She late divorced and was married a second time, to Abel Vigil, and had sons William and Lawrence, who died as an infant. Tina eventually divorced again. She never remarried. As a single parent, she relied on friends and family to help comfort her. Sister Rose and brother – in – law Tom were on call 24/7, always there for Tina and her children. Tina started working as a young girl, helping her father in a grocery store. She also worked as a bar owner- as the strange result of deal made on a handshake with a friend. She managed a bar, was a cashier and worked for the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Finance. She retired from the Department of Finance, due to her failing eyesight, in 1988. Tina loved to travel. In 1963 Tina and Abel went to Mexico City by car, something hardly anyone does anymore. They explored the city’s beautiful churches, and learning about Mexican culture was exciting for Tina. In September 1998, Tina’s daughter Darlene and husband Larry Pickreign took Tina on a cruise to the Bahamas. It was a dream come true for her, and she was always grateful for the experience. She also went to family reunions in Colorado, which were important opportunities to connect with family. After she retired, Tina went on travel trips organized by the city’s senior centers. Tina made friends easily and made a point to help out people in need without any fanfare. While she was in her 20’s, she was a candy striper at St. Vincent Hospital. Various family members lived with Tina when their lives were in transition. Tina also liked to play: Throughout her life, she and her friends would for out for dinner and country-western dancing, celebrating birthdays, weddings and fiestas. As Tina’s eyesight failed, she became a homebody. She called old friends and family members on the phone for entertainment. Here are some comments about Tina from others. Her sister Rose said, “My sister Tina was my best friend, my second mother and the second mother for my four children. She was always there for me and my family, day and night. When I moved to Texas, it was the first time we were apart from each other. We did more crying on the phone than talking. It took us a while for us to adjust to being apart. My sister was the pillar of strength for my family and me.” Rose’s son, nephew Tommy Saiz wrote, “My dearest Mama Tina… My mother Rose told me I was her first nephew, which really made me happy. While I was growing up, Mama Tina was my regular babysitter. I vaguely remember those times, except that I cried. But not for long. Once the cookies were passed out! When I was a teenager, I already had a car, a job, and a girlfriend, and my dear aunt Tina named me her ‘Champ,’ I guess because I made her proud of my accomplishments at such a young age. I will always and forever love her.” Rose’s son, nephew Jimmy Saiz remembers, “My favorite memory of Mama Tina was the life she led. Always happy, everyone was always in her thoughts and her spirit was forever strong. The days that were spent with her instea