Matilda Guillen

Matilda Guillen, 96, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday July 3, 2022.

Matilda is proceeded in death by the love of her life Phillip Guillen of 65 years, son Bobby Guillen, parents Celedon and Nestora Lujan, siblings Ramos, Oliva, Gustavo, Josie, Nestor, Feliciano, and NM House Speaker Ben Lujan, Son in Law Chris Delgado, Great Grandson Nicholas Paul Apodaca, and Great Great Granddaughter, Adelina Trujillo.

She is survived by her daughters RoseEllen Guillen, Pearl Delgado, Dorothy DeVargas (Toby), Grandchildren Mesha, Bobby, Anita, Catherine (Robert), Toby Jr. (Donna), Tony (Cristal), 24 great and great great grandchildren. Brother Ernest Lujan (Carrie), Sister in Laws Carmen Lujan, Clarabelle Viarreal, Betty Guillen, Frances Guillen. Special niece Diana Rosales, Goddaughter Stella Medina. Best friend and caretaker Leoma Esquibel. Many beloved nieces and nephews.

Matilda was a true treasure of the Espanola Valley. Owner and operator of Matilda’s Café, Matilda and her family served the community for 56 years. During their prime, Matilda’s was the place to be with the inviting night life and great food. Patrons would come near and far to eat the best enchiladas, red chili, menudo, and sopaipillas in town. They had many regulars and cultivated friendships that are still strong to this day.  Matilda’s was like eating at your grandma’s house. Everyone was welcome no matter the circumstance.

Matilda was born September 24, 1925 and raised in Nambe, NM. As a young woman they used to call her la muñequita because of her beautiful porcelain complexion. In 1946 she married Phillip the love of her life, and together they raised 5 generations. She was the family Matriarch which was her greatest accomplishment.  She kept her family close and had a special relationship with everyone of us. We will never forget the lessons she taught us and the abundance of love for us all.

Public visitation will begin on Monday July 11, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Espanola followed by burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Toby Jr. and Tony DeVargas, David and Bobby Delgado, Isaiah Delgado-Flores, Dominic Apodaca, Mesha and DelAyna Delgado. Honorary Pallbearers will be grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

The family of Matilda Guillen has entrusted the care of their beloved Matilda to the DeVargas funeral home and crematory of the Española Valley.