Candelaria “Candie” Castañeda (Romero)

June 9, 1945 — June 30, 2026

Candelaria “Candie” Castañeda (nee Romero), age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on June 30, 2026, in Española, New Mexico. Born on June 9, 1945, in La Puebla, New Mexico, she was a fierce, passionate, and deeply nurturing soul who left an undeniable mark on everyone she met.

Candie spent her life lifting others up—both in their appearance and their spirits. As a longtime respected instructor, mentor, colleague, and administrator of the Cosmetology and Barbering Department at Northern New Mexico College, she shaped the lives and careers of countless students. Her work was more than a career; it was an extension of her lifelong passion for making people feel beautiful, confident, and cared for.

To know Candie was to know a woman of absolute discipline and unyielding authenticity. She possessed a fiery personality and lived by the unapologetic code of, "It’s me, here I am”. Yet, beneath that formidable exterior was a heart that loved to a fault. She was a ravenous reader who could always be found lost in a good book, and she possessed a deep love for music. Her home was often filled with the sounds of Al Hurricane and the Sanchez family of musicians. As well as Ronnie Milsap, Neil Diamond, and Bob Seger.

Above all, Candie was the proud matriarch of her family—a loving, caring, and protective wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Paul Castañeda; her parents, Filadelfio Romero and Filomena Romero (nee Montoya); and her brother, Harold Romero.

Her vibrant legacy lives on through her surviving family:

• Children: Paul F. Castañeda, (spouse, Anita Castañeda) and Michelle Rivera (nee Castañeda)
• Siblings: Phil Romero, Isaac Romero, Theresa Romero-Valdez, and Marvin Romero
• Grandchildren: Brittani Clabaugh, Jordan Rivera, Austin Rivera, Kaleigh Rivera, Santiago Castañeda, and Matías Castañeda
• Great-Grandchildren: Logan, Levi, Luna, Adelina, and Christopher
• Great-Great Grandchild: Maizie Lynn
• And many nephews, and nieces.
• Services: A viewing will take place at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. And a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Procession to La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada, (Holy Cross), immediately following. Eulogy of Candie Castañeda will commence promptly at 10:45 am, followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will be determined for that week following cremation.
• The family of Candelaria "Candie" Castaneda has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477