Eloisa Esther Salazar Abeyta

Eloisa Esther Salazar Abeyta, 91, a resident of Los Ojos, NM, past away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 surrounded by her family. Eloisa was born in Los Brazos, NM on September 16, 1931, to Roman and Simodocea Salazar. Eloisa was married to Jose (Joe) P. Abeyta Sr. in 1963. Eloisa and Jose had three children, which were her pride and joy, Jose (Joe) P. Abeyta Jr., wife Eva; Cecilia Romero, husband Clyde; and Teresa Silva, husband Patrick. Eloisa had eight grandchildren, Jose (Joe) P. Abeyta III (Cassandra), Adrian Abeyta (Maryssa), Esteban Abeyta, Elena Abeyta, Anna Abeyta, Lorenzo Romero, Veronica Silva and Alessandra Silva.

Eloisa was preceded in death by her parents Roman and Simodocea Salazar, her husband Jose (Joe) P. Abeyta Sr., brother Fernando Salazar, sister Ida and brother-in-law Robert Martinez and brother-in-law Delfin Quintana. Her sister Frances S. Quintana survives Eloisa.

Aside from “Grandma” and “Mama” to her immediate family, Eloisa was affectionately known as “Tia Eloisa” to her many nieces and nephews as well as “Mama Ocha” to the many children she baby-sat throughout her life. Eloisa was an exceptional cook and everyone enjoyed her fresh baked bread, biscochitos, pasteles de ciruela, pan dulce, aroz dulce, donuts and the list goes on.  Eloisa was a nurturer, who loved to feed and take care of others needs. Eloisa was a devout Catholic and woman of faith. She led everyone in prayer for family gatherings and at the Senior Center prior to partaking meals.  She watched mass on ETWN daily and attended church every Sunday. Eloisa lived an uncomplicated life, loved to play bingo, make origami boxes and was very social. She was happiest when she was actively engaged with her family and friends. Eloisa was very much loved by her family, friends and community and will be greatly missed. Gracias a Dios por habernos bendecido con su presensia por 91 años.

Eloisa’s family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and for the love bestowed upon her throughout her life. We also want to convey our heartfelt thanks and ask God to bestow a special blessing upon her remarkable caregivers: Marianne Tafoya, Marisela Jacquez Bojorquez, Shirley Montoya and Petra Martinez.

A rosary will be recited in her honor on Monday evening, April 24, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in Espanola, NM at DeVargas Funeral Home. A second rosary will be recited on Tuesday morning, April 25th at 10:00 a.m. in Los Ojos, NM at San Jose Catholic Church. The Mass of Resurrection will follow the rosary at 11:00 a.m. and Eloisa will be interred at the San Jose Catholic Cemetery in Los Ojos following the Mass.

Serving as pallbearers are: Jose (Joe) P. Abeyta III, Adrian Abeyta, Esteban Abeyta, Lorenzo Romero, Clyde Romero, Patrick Silva, Robert H. Martinez and Delfin (DD) Quintana Jr. 

Honorary Pallbearers are: Adam Kimble, Lucas Martinez, Roman Valdez and Eloy Olivas.

The family of Eloisa has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of Espanola, New Mexico. www.devargasfh.com. 505-747-7477.