Anita Maes

Anita Catherine Maes, 70, of Hernandez, NM, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 29, 2024.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents Jose Casimiro and Margarita Maes, love of her life Joaquin Pacheco, brothers Cosme Maes, James Maes, nephew David Maes, and Phil Sanchez who was like a second father to her.

She is survived by her God children: Tillie Gordon Salas (Brian), Hope Watson-Marrufo (Jerry), Annalise Sanchez, Esther Bermudez (Ernest), Aliyah Maes, Adam Bermudez, and Kiera Armijo. Sisters: Loretta Sanchez, Loyola Marrufo (Juan), Lucille Chacon, and Rebecca Wagner and sister-in-law Rose Maes. Special niece Lynn Maes-Villareal, special nephew Lorenzo Sanchez, and many other nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Tessie Sanchez who was like a second mother to her and Marcella Gordon (Michael) her best friend and sister.

Anita graduated in 1972 from the McCurdy School of Nursing with her LPN degree. She practiced Nursing for 46 years starting at Espanola Hospital, then the private practice of Dr. Martin, and finally at Sombrillo Nursing and Rehab from where she retired. Anita touched the lives of anyone she came in contact with or provided care for. She always had time for anyone who needed to talk or a shoulder to cry on. She was the safe space for so many people. She was always ready with a joke, great piece of advice, or just a listening ear. She loved spending time outdoors with her honey Joaquin either camping, fishing or just spending time together. She loved her family deeply and made it a point to make sure they all knew it up until the very end using what strength she had left to say “I love you” to everyone she spoke to in her last moments.

Special thanks to Anna Dixon, Julian and all of the staff at Ambercare Hospice for keeping her comfortable in her last days. Special thanks to Dr. Ponce, Dr. Pacheco and all of the staff at CSV Pojoaque Primary Care for always making her feel welcome and cared for. She considered you all “her people” and loved you all.

A private burial and Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

The family of Anita Maes has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477