Aurelia Maria Salazar

With deep sadness and broken hearts our mother passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, while residing at Lifespire Nursing Home in Rio Rancho, NM.

Aurelia was born June 23,1932, in Velarde to Amado and Ermelinda Martinez.

Aurelia was preceded in death by her husband Eloy Salazar; parents Amado and Ermelinda Martinez, Velarde; sister Josie Mudgett (Larry); brothers Gilbert Martinez and Amado Jr. Martinez; great grand-parents: Antonio Jose Vigil and Octaviana Romero from La Canova, NM, also many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Aurelia is survived by her daughter Florence Medina (Ignacio), sons Floyd Salazar (Irene), Franklin Salazar (Sandra) and Carl Salazar (Bonnie). Grandchildren: Julio Medina, Orlando Medina, Edward Salazar, Eric Salazar, Sonrisa Salazar, Emelia Salazar, Franchesca Salazar, Kristin Salazar, Marissa Salazar, and Matthew Cordova. Also 15 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren on the way.

Aurelia went to school in Velarde elementary school and graduated from Espanola high school.

In July 1954 she married the love of her life Eloy Salazar also from Velarde and had four children. They were married for 42 years before dads’ passing. She enjoyed going to senior citizens in Espanola and being with her children. She spent a lot of time with Franklin and Florence who lived close to her. She enjoyed going to visit her son Carl and his family at Las Cruces and Floyd and family in Rio Rancho.

Aurelia followed her husband looking for work, from Velarde to Chama, to Silver City and 5 years to Tucson Arizona. After returning to Velarde in 1974 Aurelia worked and retired from the Espanola Public schools as a cook, working at several schools and ending at Velarde Elementary school where she retired from and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, cooking and being around her home and family.

A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 10:00 am with Mass to follow at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde, NM. Burial will follow at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Velarde.

Serving as Pallbearers are Edward Salazar, Franchesca Salazar, Kristin Salazar, Eric Salazar, Matthew Salazar, Marissa Salazar, Sonrisa Salazar, Emilia Salazar, Orlando Medina and Julio Medina.

The family of Aurelia Salazar has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477