Ofelia G. - Age 91 - Española Manzanares

Ofelia G. Manzanares, a loving and kind wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away suddenly at the family home on Friday, December 23, 2011. Ofelia was born to Antonio Jose and Piedad R. Garcia on September 18, 1920 and grew up on the family ranch in Rio Chama. She was educated at the Espanola Schools, El Rito Normal College and Highlands University, where she earned her bachelors degree in education. \r\nIn a teaching career spanning over 40 years, she taught throughout Rio Arriba County with the majority of her career teaching for the Chama Valley Schools. She was totally dedicated to her students and concerned about their progress. Early in her career, she met and married Bennie A. Manzanares from Abiquiu. Together they had four children.\r\nMom was lovingly dedicated to her family. Nothing gave her more joy than being with and sharing time with them. When she became a grandmother, she was so happy and proud. Her grandsons were the “apple of her eye.” She was always there to offer encouragement, support and tenderness to them. Her love and concern extended beyond her immediate family, to include her siblings, in-laws and all the family.\r\nShe was a member of the Coro of St. Ann of Fairview North. Her devotion to prayer and the Holy Rosary was life-long as she prayed constantly. No one was omitted from her prayers. \r\nHer loving husband, Bennie, infant daughter, Clara, her parents, her brothers Adan Garcia and wife Tita, Gregorio Garcia and wife Mela and Manuel Garcia and wife Lucy, preceded mom in death. Also preceding her in death were several nieces, nephews and many members of her Manzanares Family. \r\nHer children succeed her: Mary Jane and George Vigil, Henrietta and Matthew Riddiford, and Robert and Nancy Manzanares. Grandsons: David, Patrick and Michael Manzanares and Aaron Riddiford. Sister Lourdes Maestas and husband, Jake, and brother J. Ramon Garcia and wife Lucy. Brother-in-law, Herman Manzanares and wife Eleanor, and sisters-in-law, Lita Hebert and Sally Williams and many nieces, nephews and friends.\r\nIn her last years, Mom found comfort from her prayers love from her family and plenty of joy with her card playing partners and caretakers, Maria, Elva and Josephina. \r\nRecitation of the rosary will be held on Monday Dec. 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home. Memorial Mass of the resurrection will be held on Tuesday Dec. 27, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de La Canada. \r\nThe family of Ofelia G. Manzanares has entrusted the care of their beloved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477, www.devargasfuneral.com\r\n

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