Carolina Maria Lujan

Carolina Maria Romero Lujan de Nambé, NM, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, passed peacefully on June 13, 2025. She is reunited with Ernesto - her husband of 75 years -- and her many antepasados. 

She was preceded in death by parents Petronilo and Juanita Romero; suegros Celedon y Nestora Lujan; sisters Lucy Rodriguez, Virginia Castle, Adella Garduño, Abelina Knighton and Lydia McBride; Lujan in-laws Ramos, Oliva, Gustavo, Josefa, Nestor, Feliciano, Matilde, and Speaker of the New Mexico House Ben; daughter-in-law Allegra; special nephew Robert Lujan, and many other close-knit nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws.

She is survived by sons Alfredo (Amy), Ernie (Margaret), and daughter Mona; grandchildren Isaac (Allegra), Anthony, Melissa (Daniel), Amanda (Orlando), Mabel (Sam), and Peter; great grandchildren Josh, Alicia, Tyler, Faith, and Tsireya; siblings Cynthia Thornton and Severo “Joey” Romero; Godchildren Antoinette Metzgar and Rick Ibarra; special nieces Rose Ellen Guillen, Stella Medina, Diana Rosales, Gloria Chavez; nephew Marshall Lujan; great niece Kamille Sanchez and her sons Jakobi and Jarrott, nephew - Senator Ben Ray Luján, special friend Joseph Weathers, and many other loving nieces, nephews, primos y primas, and friends.

Carrie was raised in Nambé -- a descendent of many generations of a family born long before New Mexico became a state. She was a loving wife and devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her warmth radiates from there. She was a faithful daughter and sister, a caring daughter-in-law, a great aunt and sister-in-law, and a warmhearted mother-in-law. She was a wonderful comadre. And what a cook – norteña style! She was devoted to el Nuestro Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Catholic Church in Nambé, having served as a catechism teacher. She also researched and co-wrote its history with her son Alfredo in the book Counting Our Blessings. She was a pioneer female member of la Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU). She was a friend and neighbor generous with gestures, food, and affection.

Carolina was a hard worker. She retired from the Los Alamos National Laboratory. She was a respected member of the community. Above all, she was a mother committed to the well-being of her immediate and extended family.

The family thanks all who visited, brought goodies, called, texted, and sent prayers. The family thanks the amazing nurses and caregivers who attended to her over the years and final days.

Celebration of Carolina’s life:

Viewing at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Church, Nambé, 5:30 PM, June 24, 2025

Rosary at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Church, Nambé, 6:00 PM, June 24, 2025

Funeral Mass at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Church, Nambé, 9:00 AM, June 25, 2025

Interment at the National Cemetery 11:00 AM, June 25, 2025

Pallbearers: Isaac Lujan, Melissa Lujan Valerio, Joshua Valerio, Kamille Chavez, Amanda and Peter Lujan

Honorary Pall bearers: Cynthia Thornton, Antoinette Metzgar, Mabel Lujan, Rose Ellen Guillen, Stella Medina, Diana Rosales, Marshall Lujan, Jerome Lujan, Barbara Valencia, Natalie Saiz, Larry McBride, and Julie Knighton

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

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