Vicki Sandoval

Vicki Lee Sandoval, a longtime resident of Northern New Mexico; passed away, surrounded by loved ones; on February 4, 2024.  She was 76 years old.

Vicki was born in Orange County California; but soon afterwards, her parents moved to beautiful Los Alamos, New Mexico.  Los Alamos was, of course, a big part of Vicki‘s heart; but because both her parents were originally from Iowa, she also treasured childhood memories of train rides from New Mexico to Iowa; and visits with lots of extended family members.  During those stays, she got to milk cows, early in the morning; husk corn, make canned goods, learn certain crafts; but also lots about her family history.

When it was time for high school, Vicki attended Los Alamos High.  She graduated in 1966; and that same year, married her then husband, Edward Sandoval.  They would, together, have two beloved children; build a house; and support one another, at the root-level, of what would eventually become successful careers for both of them.

Vicki first worked as a telephone operator at the Bell Telephone Company in Santa Fe; and she was always very proud of that.  But her heart was set on nursing. So, as soon as she was able to, she started nursing school and became an LPN.

Years later, when Vicki found herself at one of the hardest points in her life; she dug down deep, and pressed onward; putting herself through higher levels of nursing school, so that she could become an RN.

A 40-year nursing career that began at the Española hospital eventually included multiple hospitals, and medical facilities; not only in different parts of New Mexico; but also in Oregon and Oklahoma. 

Vicki had certainly come full circle when she made her way, back to her beloved, northern New Mexico; and Taos’s Holy Cross Hospital. And it was there that she got to use her gifts, and the vast experience she’d gained; to teach and mentor younger nurses; nurses that became very precious to her.

Even though at retirement time, Vicki knew it was time to step back; her heart definitely never did.  Meaning, she never stopped, listening with the ears of a nurse; or caring with the heart of a servant; or teaching and sharing wisdom with the hope that a teacher always has.

Within Vicki’s caring heart, she had confidence, and an ALWAYS-bright outlook.  She was a great encourager. And she had strong faith; faith that grew through her surrender in the midst of trials.

And wow, did she ever have a great sense of humor.  She was fun to spend time with, because she was real and she was humble.  She loved deeply; and she saw the beauty in everyone. When she gave, it was with her whole heart.

Being a part of the Village of Questa meant so much to Vicki.  She loved the kindness of the villagers; and being surrounded by the spectacular beauty of her own mountain range.  In awe of every season, she’d always say, “I’m so blessed!"

Spending most of her retirement time doing the things that brought her joy, Vicki worked in her yard; rearranging, planting and watching things grow.  She looked for ways to help people.  And she exercised her gift with creative interior design; making her house into a home, a place where she could laugh and visit with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren; friends and neighbors.

Preceding Vicki in death were her beloved parents, Evan Kenneth Davis and Betty Lou (Huston) Bundgard; her siblings; sister, Connie Coca; her brother, Jack Laird; her younger sister, Jonnie-Sue Price; and two of her nephews, David and Tony Coca.

Vicki is survived by her daughter, Tammy Sandoval-Lueras, and son-in-law, Edwin Lueras; by her son, Bryan Sandoval; her grandchildren, Jordan Sandoval, Bryan Jacob Sandoval, Damián Sandoval, Jaden Lueras & Alisha Scott-Lueras, and Evan Lueras; also by her two great-grandchildren, Estévan Sandoval and Layla Mae Sandoval; by her two younger sisters, Kathy Tatum  and Debbie Laird; by her younger brother, Jeffrey Paul Davis and his wife, Zoorina; and also by her beloved nieces, nephews, their spouses and children.

A Celebration of Life is to be held in a private home, at a later date.

In Vicki‘s honor, it would be so wonderful if you would choose something in your closet or home today, and spontaneously give it to a neighbor or someone you don’t know; remembering that the best of all thing's to give is your time; as Vicki would say.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com