Eloy Maes

Eloy Maes, 98, a lifetime resident of Canjilon, passed away on August 10, 2023, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.  

Eloy was born to Jesus and Carmen Maes on August 14, 1924 in Canjilon, NM. He was the youngest of 12 children.

Eloy was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Carmen Maes; his wife, Maria Rita Maes; his daughters, Christine and Tomasita, his son Eloy Jr, his siblings, and a very special son-in-law Jay.  He is survived by his childrenEddie (Lydia), Lucy, Melvin (Cindy), Pamela (Herman), Levi, and his granddaughter Shae who he helped raise like his own daughter; his grandchildren Christopher, Josie, Crystal, Larry, Eric, Nikolai, Levi Jr., Danny, Michael, and Eloy III and many great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He had a passion for working, starting with the CCC camp after the great depression.  Eloy went on to do many jobs in life, but his passion for sheep herding in the mountains of Wyoming, building fences, going for wood, and the Forest Service from where he retired, were always in his heart. 

Throughout his life, Eloy was a survivor who met life’s challenges with grace, love, humor and above all, strength in every way imaginable.

He married the love of his life Maria Rita Baldonado on April 2, 1955, and had 7 children whom he loved with all his heart.

Eloy was a wonderful person, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, compadre, padrino, and friend.  He loved music, dancing and playing his harmonica at any opportunity he could.  He loved to tell “chistes” and jokes to everyone he knew, and amazingly always had a new one each time.  Eloy loved animals and had a passion for feeding the stray puppies and cats that somehow always showed up at his house.  He loved working around the yard each day and on his breaks would enjoy hanging out at the casino meeting new people.  His faith was above all in his life, and every day started and ended with his “oraciones”.  He was a devoted member of La Morada as a penitente and loved praying and singing “alabados” for holy week and at rosaries.  

A rosary will be prayed on Monday August 14, 2023 at 11:00, at the San Juan de Nepomuceno Catholic Church in Canjilon and a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 pm, Burial will follow at the Canjilon Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Father Ted and Deacon Joseph for the prayers and support as well as to Ambercare staff Gracie, Eloida, Janice and Nancy for their compassionate care, and to all the friends and family who stopped by to visit