Matilde Quintana

Maria Matilde Quintana, born on March 11, 1927, in Nambe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on November 12, 2024, after a brief illness. 

Matilde was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Orlando Quintana; her parents, Federico Quintana and Ursulita Romero-Quintana of Nambe; her brothers, Secundino (Susie), Bobby, and Rudy; her son-in-law, Daniel Thielen; and her grandson-in-law, John LeDoux.

She is survived by her sister, Florence Quintana; her sister-in-law, Mary Quintana; her daughters, Jo-Ann Romero (David), Roberta Martinez (Harold), Geraldine Thielen, and Christine Garcia (Toby); her grandchildren, David Romero (Betsy), Carmella Archuleta, Harold Martinez (Stephanie), Reina LeDoux, Angela Martinez, Nathan Thielen (Brittany), Jordan Thielen, Stephanie Craft (Nick), and Matthew Garcia. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and many other cherished relatives and friends.

Matilde was a devout Catholic, dedicating her life to her faith. She was a longtime member of La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de La Cañada, and a member of La Sagrada Familia and Las Carmelitas. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and relationships. Matilde worked for the Española School System for many years before retiring, where she touched the lives of many with her kindness and work ethic.

Above all, Matilde deeply cherished time spent with her family. She was a constant presence at family gatherings and always attended her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities, offering her unwavering love and support. She also enjoyed warm conversations with her friends, always ready to share a laugh or offer a listening ear. Matilde’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM. Viewing will be at 9:00 am with the Rosary at 9:30 am, followed by the Mass at 10:00 am. Internment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, Nathan Thielen and Matthew Garcia, and her great-grandsons, Andrew Martinez, Marcos Martinez, Matias LeDoux, and Donald Archuleta. 

Honorary pallbearers include her grandchildren and godchildren, Harold Martinez, Carmella Archuleta, and her sons-in-law, David Romero Sr., Harold Martinez Sr., and Toby Garcia.

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