Evangeline "Vangie" Tafoya

1931 - 2025 In the early hours of January 7, 2025, our mom went home to be with Jesus. Evangeline “Vangie” Tafoya, 93, was born on July 1, 1931. She lived most of her life in Belen, New Mexico and moved to Albuquerque in August of 2020. She was best known as "Mrs. Tafoya" as she worked in the administrative offices for the Belen Schools. She was a second mom to many who walked through the doors of Belen High School. To this day she is remembered fondly by many students for her kindness and joy. She was also known as an avid bowler, earning many awards and bowling patches for her bowling prowess, often bowling over 150 and several times over 200. She continued to bowl until she was 87 years old. Mom was actively involved in Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and volunteered in many capacities through the years. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. But to us, she was Mom and Nana. She was a strong woman whose unwavering faith saw her through many difficult times. Family was everything to her and she took great pride in her children and grandchildren. Mom and Dad (Eloy Tafoya†) were married for 47 years. Dad preceded her in death in 2004. They have five children, Denise Braun (Gene Carrejo), Martha Cesarano (Joe), Pam Chavez (John), Donna Bernal (Randy Bernal†/Britt Crooks) and Eloy Tafoya (Deborah). They were blessed with five grandchildren, Brad Cesarano, Kaylah Braun (Mike Puhi), Missy Braun, Luke Tafoya and Anna Cesarano. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she thrived when they came to visit her. She loved them so much. Mom's brother, Mike Barela† (Petrita), preceded her in death in 2021 at the age of 92 and her sister, Flora Trujillo (Jess†), is 97 years old. Mom's health began to decline in 2022 and she required more care. With the amazing team of Dr. Joy Lovette, Joan Molina, Maryann Quintana and Sabina Basham, she was doted on and loved and was given incredible care by this group who we lovingly named our Angel Team. Hospice de la Luz provided exceptional care and helped mom have the best quality of life until the very end. Mom loved her nurse, Roz, and Chaplain Efren and all the nurses who gently helped her through some hard days. We will be forever grateful for their love, support and dedication. Services are scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2025 at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Visitation at 9:00 a.m., Rosary at 10:00 a.m., Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Belen Catholic Cemetery. Please sign Vangie’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.

Evangeline "Vangie" Tafoya

July 1, 1931 - January 7, 2025