Leopoldo Baca

Leopoldo Martin Baca, a resident of Chamita born on February 24, 1941, passed at age 83. 

On Friday, August 30, 2024, Leopoldo Baca, who also goes by Leo, went up to heaven with our Lord and Savior. Leo was surrounded by loved ones as he took his final breaths. Regardless of his suffering he radiated his lively, silly, feisty personality on those he loved. He wanted his loved ones to remember who God created him to be on this earth so we could cherish him forever in our hearts. Although Leo endured many hardships and struggles with his health throughout his life, he accepted it all with grace and patience. Leo was quiet and reserved yet was quite the jokester and humorous at heart. He really enjoyed spending time with his family and learning about everyone’s life. 

Leo was grateful to share his life with all of his family and friends but most of all his wife Esther. 

It was love at first sight for Leo when he first met Esther at a dance. He saw her sitting alone near the dance floor and had the courage to go ask her if she would join him on the dance floor. Not knowing how to dance, Esther turned him down. Leo wouldn’t take no for answer and persisted for her to join him. She finally shared with Leo that she couldn’t dance, and he in turn admitted to Esther that he couldn’t dance that great either. At that moment they both found friendship in knowing that they would go learn to do something together. Since then, Leo persevered in trying to build a deeper connection with Esther thereby leading to friendship and marriage. This past July they made it to the 63 years mark of being married. 

Leopoldo Baca was preceded in death by his parents Romulo and Salome Baca; brothers Delfin and Romulo Jr. Baca; sisters Bernie Baca, Deluvina Baca and Fabiola Baca; grandparents Juan de Jesus and Epimenia Baca and Reyes and Genara Trujillo. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Esther Baca. Along with his beautiful and loving daughters, Connie Overly (Ed Overly) and Kathy Sanchez (Harold Sanchez). Along with his grandchildren Kelsi Boyd (Bobby Boyd), Erynn Overly, Harold Nathanial Sanchez, and Shantal Sanchez. In addition to, 3 great-grandchildren Noah, Sophia, and Charlotte Boyd. 

He is also survived by his sisters Orlinda (Lindy), and Sally; sister-in-law Tomasita Baca; nephews, Ray (Cristy) Baca and Marvin Baca; nieces Valerie Baca, Darleen (Jake) Vigil, Evelyn (Troy) Padilla and several great nephews and nieces. 

A Rosary will be recited on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10:30 am, with Mass to follow at 11:15 am at the San Juan de Bautista Catholic Church in San Juan Pueblo, NM.  There will be a private burial at the San Pedro Cemetery at a later date.

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