Celsa Lucero

Celsa B. Lucero, a teacher and matriarch of the Lucero family passed away peacefully on Saturday July 10th, 2021, in the UNM Hospital at the age of 96.

Being born in Pojoaque, New Mexico, September 3rd, 1924, to Jose Maria Bustos Sr. and Margarita Shoemaker – Bustos, having 4 sisters and 1 bother, two of which survive her.

She lived through many the defining moments of this nation’s history, growing up to become a teacher for Riverside, Sombrillo and Fairview Elementary Schools, she would eventually go on to receive a master’s degree in English. She worked dutifully to help shape the lives of so many children, going on to be awarded the President’s Award for Education.

Then in 1948 she married Andrés Thomas Lucero and went on to raise 4 wonderful children, 1 son and three daughters; Andrew, Clara, Elaine, and Jackie, and another son was lost early in life, that will remember and cherish her memory forever. All of which have gone on to distinguished careers and families of their own. While she lost her husband in 2007, she would continue to live independently up until the last few months of her life.

Never losing her ability to teach she would go on to help all her grandchildren (Taylor, Tescia, Andrés, and Clara) in one way or another throughout their academic careers. The impact that she had made on so many will be felt for years to come, and we hope to be able to do her memory justice the way she was able to keep all the memories of her life, with what can only be described as a kind of reverence.

She will be missed dearly, and in memory of her, a service will be held at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz NM, Tuesday morning July 13th, 2021 at 10:30 am. Following these services she will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery to be with the Virgin Mary and her Savior Jesus Christ forever. The family of Celsa Lucero has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of The Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477