Elizaido Lee - Age 83 - El Llano Espinoza

ELIZAIDO DESIDERIO ESPINOZA, 83, better known to his family and friends as “Lee”, a resident of El Llano, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2014. He was born on September 17, 1931, to Desiderio and Maria Pacheco de Espinoza. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a sister, Ida; brother, Jose Isa; grandson, Daniel Lee Gonzales and nephews, Joey and Eddie Maestas. Lee made his career in public service working for the State Department Human Services Division for more than 34 years serving in the capacity of Financial Auditor. After his retirement, Lee became a rancher and a farmer, tending to his alfalfa fields, his garden and his small herd of cattle. He was a humble man who enjoyed the simple life, open spaces and mountains. He was commissioner of the Acequia de El Llano for many years, serving as treasurer. He was also a member of the Coro de la Sagrada Familia in the community of El Llano. He attended local schools here in the valley, The College of Santa Fe and Highlands University in Las Vegas. He enjoyed the company of friends and primos that visited him often. May his soul rest in peace. Mr. Espinoza is survived by his wife, Frances; his four beautiful daughters, Vera Espinoza-Martinez and Loretta Maestas of Española; Maria Espinoza Gonzales of El Llano and her children, David and wife Andrea and their children, Adam and Lauren; Joseph and wife Roxanne and their children, Destiny, Davina, Daniel and Jayden; Dominic Gonzales; Cathy Ortiz and husband Elvis of Cordova and their children, Chris and Bridget Ortiz of Cordova and Camille Valdez and husband Adrian of Albuquerque and their daughter, Evie; son, Michael Salazar and daughter, Mikayla; and numerous other relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada, with a burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers, Joseph, David and Dominic Gonzales, Chris Ortiz, Adrian Valdez, Michael Salazar and Joey Maestas. Honorary pallbearers named are, Helen Martinez, Bernie Rendon, Cristobal Ortiz, Manuel Padilla, Ambrose Espinoza, Manuel Lopez, Chris Martinez and David Martinez. The family of Elizaido Desiderio Espinoza has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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