Maria Erlinda Benavidez

1929-2015 María Erlinda Lobato Benavídez, age 85, peacefully passed as she lived with grace, dignity and on her own terms, On January 11th, as she was being embraced by her loved ones, she went to heaven to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. Erlinda will forever hold a special place in her family’s hearts. They lovingly remember and are thankful for the blessing she was in their lives. They will miss seeing her pray and visiting her cozy, little, warm home. They will miss her unconditional love, laughter and especially hugging their little Granny. However, they rejoice knowing that she is enjoying eternal life, peace and joy in our heavenly home with our Lord Jesus Christ. Again, Erlinda is dancing and laughing with Daddy and family. She was born August 12, 1929 to Felipe and María Lovato in Abo, New Mexico. Erlinda was married to George R. Benavidez on September 1, 1952 at San Lorenzo Catholic Church in Abo, New Mexico. Erlinda and George were married for 51 years and had three children Manuel, María Eloisa and Linda Lou. Erlinda was an active member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Erlinda faithfully served her Catholic Church thru the Catholic Daughters of America, Blessed Sacrament Society, Legion of Mary, Divine Mercy and Sacred Heart Association. Erlinda was a content homemaker for 62 years. Waiting for Erlinda in heaven are her husband, George R. Benavídez; son, Manuel L. Benavídez; great-granddaughter, Carolina Sofía; great-grand angels; parents, Felipe Torres Lovato and Maria Benigna Padilla Lovato; brother, Jose de Jesus Lovato; sister, Quiteria Luna; brother, Baltazar Lovato; sister, María Concepcion Lovato; maternal-grandparents, Pablo Padilla y Gallegos and Quiteria Aragón y Lucero; maternal great-grandparents, Santiago and Benigna Padilla, Juan Pablo and Juanita Marilleta Lucero y Aragón; paternal grandparents, Martín and Felicita Lobato, Ventura and Mercedita Peralta Lobato. Erlinda is survived by her two devoted daughters, Linda and husband, Albert Sanchez, Mary and husband, John Anderson and beloved grandchildren, George, Solise, Isabella, Adam, Megan, Jennifer, Buddy, Steven Ray, John Moses, Breanna, Abraham, Tabitha, Chad, Ashly, Caden, Carla, Beto, Adriana, Mateo, Lucía Paloma, Stephanie, Ernest George and Rebecca. Erlinda is also survived by her sister, Bernarda Lobato García; and brothers, Pablo Lovato and wife, Mary Ann, Martin Eloy Lovato, Felipe Lovato Jr. and wife, Vicky. Erlinda’s favorite pass time was praying, listening to the radio and cooking Pinto Beans which she offered to anyone who came to visit. She enjoyed making “colchas” with old jeans, which currently adorn each of her grandchildren’s beds. Erlinda often dressed in her favorite color of red and looked stunning. Erlinda was very patriotic as her favorite song in the world was our “Star Spangled Banner.” Erlinda loved to dance with her husband George and both were elegantly synchronized when they danced at the old Tabet Hall. Erlinda loved summer so she could work outside but always looked forward to winter's “sopapillas and biscochitos.” Even though Erlinda only went to eighth grade at Abo Elementary, where she was Valedictorian, she was self-taught and would say “Yo aprendí mas en un día de necesidad que en un año de Universidad.” Thank you for your unconditional love mother. Thank you for teaching us by your example of living a confident life, with dignity, discipline, hard work, forgiveness, strength, perseverance and self-denial. Thank you for teaching us the importance of love and devotion to God and family. Our Lord was always with Erlinda and because of her deep faith in Him; He carried her through her life’s trials and tribulations. Her independence and stubbornness to drive her little white car kept her family and community in prayer for her safety. Our love for her will never vanish and we have consolation knowing that we will all be together again someday in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are all assured that her name, Maria Erlinda Lobato Benavídez is written in the book of eternal life. Erlinda was truly a blessing to her family, her comadres and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church in Belen, New Mexico on Thursday, January 15, beginning with a public viewing at 6:30 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to follow at 7:00 a.m. Rosary will follow the Funeral Mass. Interment will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Erlinda will be buried with her husband George R. Benavidez. Family and friends are invited to fellowship and celebrate Erlinda’s life at a reception following interment at 1:00 p.m., at Knights of Columbus Hall in Belen, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Sign Maria Erlinda’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main Street, Belen, NM

Maria Erlinda Benavidez

August 12, 1929 - January 11, 2015