Diolinda ‘Dolly’ Lenila Garcia Cioe

Born to Amarante Jr. and Gregorita Prisciliana Salazar Garcia in 1952. Dolly was the youngest of five. She grew up in Rio Chama moving to Los Angeles in the late 60's as her brothers were all drafted during the Vietnam War. The epitome of ‘tiny but tough’ Dolly became the first woman Forest Service Firefighter at Chuchupaete Ranger Station in the Los Padres National Forest in California in 1980. Dolly was also an accomplished seamstress, porcelain doll maker, leather worker, and award-winning square dancer and square dance teacher. After more than 50 years in California, Dolly finally followed her daughter Priscilla back home to the Española Valley in 2018. 

Dolly was preceded in death by her parents Amarante and Priscilla Garcia, her sister Simodocea and brother-in-law Gaston Manuel Reyes, her brothers Guadalupe, Arnoldo, and Norberto Garcia as well as her beloved husband Paul Cioe. 

Dolly is survived by two daughters Priscilla Gregorita and Michelle Lynn La Drew, along with a huge number of extended family and friends. Rosary at 9:30am and mass at 11am at San Antonio Catholic Church in Medanales, N.M. Burial at a later date at National Cemetery along with her husband Paul Cioe.

Paul Joseph Cioe

Paul was born in Pennsylvania on October 16, 1942. His family moved to Monrovia, CA, in his early childhood. He met and married Diolinda ‘Dolly’ Garcia in 1982. Paul served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. A lifelong long haul truck driver and member of the Teamsters Union, he saw every inch of our beautiful country. As Priscilla states ‘Paul was the greatest stepfather a girl could ask for'. Paul passed December 23, 2014, after a short battle with cancer. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, one brother who was killed in action in the Korean War, and his sister Angela. 

Paul is survived by his stepdaughters Priscilla and Michelle LaDrew. 

A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am and Mass at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July14, 2026, at San Antonio Catholic Church in Medanales, N.M.

Paul will be laid to rest along with his wife Diolinda ‘Dolly' Garcia Cioe at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.

The family of Diolinda and Paul Cioe has entrusted the care of their loved ones to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477