Gertrude Mascarena Gallegos

1947 -2019 Gertrude Mascarena Gallegos, age 72, a resident of Belen, NM, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on June 17, 2019. She grew up in Jarales and was raised by her parents, Justo and Josefita Mascarena and her grandmother, Gertruditas Padilla, who was also her namesake. Gertrude attended elementary school in Jarales and later attended Belen High School, where she graduated in 1965. She was an intelligent woman. Gertrude was so proud of having skipped a grade in elementary school. She went on to work for Blake’s Lotaburger and Adelino Headstart, where she retired. Gertrude retired to take care of her grandkids, so her daughters could continue to work. Nana enjoyed cooking for her grandkids. They will always remember her mashed potatoes and macaroni’s with tomato sauce. Her son-in-law will never forget the green chili bean burritos she would make especially for him. Gertrude was a woman of faith, who loved her God and Church. She was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America. Gertrude is survived by her husband, Lorenzo Gallegos, whom she loved dearly and was blessed to have celebrated 50 years of marriage on April 19th of this year. They met on a blind date and since then they were never apart. She is also survived by her children, Brenda and her husband Deacon Michael Montoya and Josephine Gallegos; her grandchildren, Loren, Anthony, and Abigail Montoya; her brothers and sisters, Ramona Torres (Hernandez), Tino Mascarena (Betty), Mabel Torres (David), Nancy Mascarena, Boni Mascarena (Lucy), Leroy Mascarena (Sylvia), Kathy Cordova (Art), and like my mama would say, “her hito,” Joseph Mascarena, who had a very special place in her heart; her sisters-in-law, Jennie Mascarena, Helen Baca and Shirley (Ralph) Baca; special friends, Frank and Louise Ortega, who have always been there for her. Gertrude is also survived by countless loving nieces and nephews. Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning on Thursday, June 20, 2019, with a Public Viewing at 5:00 PM and a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, June 21, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Brian and Joey Mascarena, Kevin Torrez, Pete Trujillo, Frank Ortega and Wayne Gallegos. Please sign Gertrude’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

Gertrude Mascarena Gallegos

February 1, 1947 - June 17, 2019