MaryLou Gabaldon Cordova

1947-2013 On October 26th, just one day after her 66th birthday, MaryLou passed away in her home surrounded by her beloved husband, Michael Mendoza, her adoring daughter, Avalon and her loving family. She was driven by her zest for life and never lost her will and spirit and her faith in God. Anyone who knew MaryLou knows that she put everyone else’s needs before her own, and even though she herself suffered many years of illness, she always took in and cared for family and friends. She was multi-talented, the hairdresser, seamstress and chef of the neighborhood; she was even featured in the Albuquerque Journal for her famous green chile enchilada casserole. But nothing lit up her life and brought her more joy than her adoring grandchildren, Gino and Jade, and her beloved daughter, Avalon who made her forget that she was ill when they were by her side. She only had one daughter, Avalon, but she filled MaryLou’s heart and soul with the greatest of love. She was also blessed with her step-grandchildren who came into her life and into her heart. Her dad, Ramon; sisters, Alma and Ramona; brothers, Louie Ray and Michael; her deceased mom, Pula and brother, Manuel were her heart and soul; a bond that is a special blessing from heaven. She was the favorite among many family members, especially Aunt Jennie who cared for her like a daughter and her loving Aunt Elvira. Her family and circle of friends grew, they were touched by her compassion and strong will; everywhere the family went someone would ask for her in genuine concern. MaryLou’s life would not have been as long or her heart as full if not for her angels and love of her life, Michael and Avalon. MaryLou was an unselfish soul whose contagious smile and sparkling eyes will never be forgotten. She was preceded in death by her mother, Pula Romero Griego; father, Manuel B. Gabaldon; brother, Manuel E. Gabaldon; Gramita Maria G. Romero; and father-in-law, Richard Mendoza. MaryLou is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Mendoza; beloved daughter, Avalon Cordova and husband, Robert Gonzales; loving dad, Ramon V. Griego; two sisters, Alma and husband, Fred Jaramillo and Ramona J. Griego and partner, Cynthia Romero; two brothers, Louie Ray and wife, Debbie Griego and Michael and wife, Belma Griego; sister-in-law (compa), Viola Gabaldon; mother-in-law, Mickey Mendoza; seven brothers-in-law, Rick and wife, Corey, Louie, Shane and wife, Gwen, Anthony, Vanson and Tommy Mendoza and Manny Sena; two beloved grandchildren, Gino and Jade Gonzales; three step-grandchildren, Anthony and wife, Becky Gonzales, Kimberly Gonzales and partner, Fabian Harada and Lisa and husband, Joe Romero; four step-great-grandchildren, Celina Gonzales, Anthony and Dominic Gonzales and Gabby Romero. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. All services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church, on Wednesday, October 30, beginning with a Viewing at 8:30 a.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Valencia Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Louie Mendoza, Eddie Sisneros, Manuel Gabaldon III, Neil Jaramillo, Joel Jaramillo, Louie Ray Griego Jr., Michael Griego Jr. and CJ Lucero. Honorary Pallbearers will be Cynthia Romero, Martina Anchondo, Mary Belle Tabet, Rosemary Duran and Nathan Griego. A special thank you from the family to Amy Tafoya who was more than a caregiver to her and a blessing to us all and to the wonderful staff at Ambercare Hospice. Sign MaryLou’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

MaryLou Gabaldon Cordova

October 25, 1947 - October 26, 2013