Mary Ellen Redman

Mary Ellen Redman, age 96, of Espanola, NM, passed away on August 6, 2024, surrounded by family.  Mary Ellen was born in Miami, New Mexico on October 17, 1927, to Margarito and Rosa (Fernandez) Montoya. She went to school at Colmor elementary school until the family moved to Taylor Springs. There she attended parochial school until 8th grade and Springer High School, graduating in 1945. She went to college at Highlands University and earned her degree in business education and physical education. She was an athlete and had a competitive spirit, having played volleyball, basketball, and softball, where she was a pitcher. She had the best smile and an infectious laugh that could bring joy to all those around her.

She married her loving husband Michael Redman on May 29, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Church in Springer, New Mexico. The two had seen each other on campus at Highlands, but officially met when their mothers, who had been in school together as young girls, were brought together to be re-acquainted. They spent 73 loving years devoted to each other, to their family, to their church, and to those in need in the Espanola community. 

Mary Ellen was a teacher: after college she taught school in El Rito at the Northern New Mexico Normal School and later taught summer school at Highlands before moving with her husband to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she worked at the National Lab. She later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, so Michael could attend dental school. There she gave birth to her first three children, Michael, Theresa, and David, all while again working as a teacher. They moved back to New Mexico in 1957, and she spent her time taking care of her children and working part time in the dental office. 

In her later years, Mary Ellen spent her time volunteering in the community. She was involved in the Espanola Valley Garden Club and was a member of the Espanola Hospital Auxiliary for many years. She had an incredibly strong faith and was very active at Holy Cross Church as a lector, member of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Altar and Rosary Society; and as Celadora of the Holy Family in La Mesilla. 

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Margarito Montoya and Rosa Fernandez; her four siblings, Roy Louis, Edward, Margaret, and Mary Ann, and her great granddaughter Arya Womack. She is survived by her six children, Michael Redman (Cynthia), Theresa Radosevich (Charles), David Redman (Sharon), Paul Redman (Lisa), Carl Redman (Lisa), and Larry Redman (Cathy); many grandchildren, even more great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to thank the UNM hospital nurses and doctors for their care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Church, St. Vincent de Paul. PO Box 1228, Santa Cruz, NM 87567

Services will be held at Holy Cross Church on Friday August 16, 2024, with a rosary at 10:00 AM followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place on Monday August 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family of Mary Ellen Redman has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.