Ismael Ernesto Lujan

Ismael Ernesto Lujan de Nambe, NM, surrounded by family, passed peacefully at his home on July 19, 2024. 

Ernesto was preceded in death by parents Celedon y Nestora; parents-in-law Petronilo and Juanita Romero; siblings Ramos, Oliva, Gustavo, Josefa, Nestor, Feliciano, Matilde, and Speaker of the New Mexico House Ben Luján; special nephew Robert Lujan, many close-knit nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Carolina Lujan; sons Alfredo (Amy) and Ernie (Margaret); and daughter Mona; grandchildren Isaac (Allegra), Anthony, Melissa (Daniel), Amanda (Orlando), Mabel (Sam), and Peter; great grandchildren Josh, Alicia, Tyler, Faith, and Tsireya; God children Antoinette Metzgar, Leroy Romero, and Michael Lujan; special relatives: nieces Rose Ellen Guillen, Stella Medina, Diana Rosales; nephew Marshall Lujan; great niece Kamille Sanchez and her sons Jakobi and Jarrott; Senator Ben Ray Luján, and many nieces, nephews, primos y primas, and friends.

Ernesto was a loving husband and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather ... his legacy ripples out from there. He was a faithful son and brother, a nurturing son-in-law, a great uncle and brother-in-law, and a warmhearted father-in-law. He was an awesome compadre. He was devoted to El Nuestro Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Catholic church in Nambé. He was a faithful member of la Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU) and La Sociedad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesus. He was a good man with a big heart and great sense of humor. He was from Nambé to the bone -- a descendent of nine generations of a family born in the valley long before New Mexico became a state. Nearly every time he turned up the Nambé road, he’d remind us that as a youngster his SPMDTU hermano, David Ortiz, often said, “Hay Nambecito lindo, como te quiero.”

Ernesto was an Army veteran, having served in Japan after World War II. He retired as a lab technician from the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He was a respected member of the community. Above all, he was a father committed to the well-being of his immediate and extended family. 

The family thanks all who visited, brought goodies, called, and sent prayers. The family thanks the amazing nurses and caregivers who attended to him in his waning years and final days. 

Celebration of Ernesto’s Life:  Rosary at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Church, Nambé, NM, 6:00 PM on August 7, 2024.   Funeral Mass at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Church, Nambé, NM, 10:00 AM on August 8, 2024.  Interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:30 PM on August 8, 2024.

Pallbearers: Isaac and Anthony Lujan; Melissa Valerio, Leroy Romero, Joshua Valerio; Amanda, Mabel, and Peter Lujan

Honorary Pallbearers: Rose Ellen Guillen, Stella Medina, Diana Rosales, Marshall Lujan, Jerome Lujan, Kamille Sanchez, Barbara Valencia, Natalie Saiz, Cynthia Thornton, Larry McBride, Julie Knighton Mitchell, Orlando Obeso, Daniel Valerio and Tino Ortiz.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

The family of Ismael Lujan has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477