Jennie JoAnn Tena

 JENNIE J. TENA

Sunrise: September 27, 1972 Sunset: August 17, 2024

Jennie was raised in Las Tablas NM, where at the age of nine she met the love of her life, who she then married at the age of fifteen. Started her family in Ojo Caliente she had two children. She became a widow at a very young age. Despite all the challenges Jennie faced in her life, she remained a consistently loving and kind-hearted person, always ready to support anyone in need. Her passions included cooking and dancing, but her true love was fashion. Even while managing her health issues, Jennie never failed to present herself with the elegance and style “Miss Hollywood”.

Jennie was a woman who radiated love and joy in every aspect of her life, leaving a permanent mark on everyone she encountered. Her caring nature was a constant source of comfort, as she effortlessly balanced warmth with the kind of tough love that challenged us to grow. With a keen ability to recognize when to offer a hug and when to deliver a reality check, she guided us with both compassion and clarity. Her life was a vibrant tapestry of adventures and laughter, filled with moments of spontaneity and unrestrained fun that brightened even the darkest days. Whether organizing spontaneous gatherings or sharing her infectious laughter, she embraced each day with a zest that inspired those around her. Though she has passed, her spirit continues to enliven our memories, a testament to a life lived fully and a love that remains ever-present.

Jennie was preceded in death by her husband, Felipe Neri Tena Sr.; mother, Ninfa Gallegos; brother, Richard Gallegos; father-in-law, Ramon Tena; and sister-in-law, Angelina Tena.

Jennie is survived by her children: Arlene Martinez (Evelio Martinez), Felipe Neri Tena Jr. (Anjelik Gomez), and Charity Valdez (William Salazar); her father, Johnny Gallegos; sister, Mary Terrazas; a very special aunt who was like a sister, Cordy Sisneros; brothers-in-law, Ramon Tena (Alma Hernandez), Jaime Tena, and Jesus Tena Sr. (Carmen Ramos); sisters-in-law, Graciela Tena (Leonardo Cienfuegos) and Mari Tena (Mario Cordova); and nieces and nephews: Nelson Terrazas (April Lucero), Lucas and Davynn Terrazas, Alexandria Terrazas, Ninfa Emiliano, Rogelio Terrazas, Raymundo Terrazas, Chasity Reyes (Arizai Reyes), Richard Gallegos Jr., Miguel Burciaga (Jasmin Juarez), Jayleen and Leah Burciaga, Luis Garcia (Guadalupe Mota), Antonio, Annalicia, and Ayla Garcia, Julio and Abril Villela, Alma Rosa Tena (Alberto Arias), Carlos and Jesus Arias, Jesus Tena Jr., James Tena, Lupita Tena, Mariela Tena, Maria del Carmen Cordova, Mariana Cordova, and Noemí Cordova. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Neri Abel Tena, Arabella Ava Tena, Akiliano Tena, and Heaven Valdez.

Join us as we Celebrate Jennie’s Life Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at DeVargas Funeral Home (623 N. Railroad Ave., Espanola, NM). 

After the service, we'll proceed to Ojo Caliente, NM, to honor her with a Christian Burial. 

A reception will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the FOE of Espanola, NM, (1214 S. Riverside Dr., Espanola, NM).

Pallbearers: Nelson Terrazas, Raymundo Terrazas, Luis Garcia, Miguel Burciaga, Evelio Martinez, and James Anthony Barela.

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