Emma Atencio of Dixon, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026.

She was born in Rio Lucio, NM in 1929. Emma lived a remarkable life spanning nearly a century, bringing steady grace, fierce love, and quiet wisdom to all who knew her. We celebrate the beautiful life of our beloved mother, who passed away at the incredible age of 96. She was a proud woman whose strength, grace, and steady spirit left a permanent mark on everyone who knew her.  No matter what life brought her way, she always kept a positive outlook. She found joy in the simple moments and taught her children to look at the world with hope and resilience. Her energy was a comforting light, and her smile could brighten any room.  She took deep pride in everything she did. Whether she was working hard or caring for her home, she approached every task with dedication, integrity, and a standard of excellence that inspired her entire family. Her kitchen was the anchor of the family, famous for her tortillas, beans and chile. Her home was a haven of warmth.  Above all else, she loved her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren deeply. We were the center of her universe, and her devotion as a mother & grandmother was absolute. Her guidance, warmth, and unconditional love formed the foundation of our lives. Though our hearts ache with her absence, her legacy of hard work, positivity, and fierce maternal love will live in us forever. Rest in peace, Mom. You will be missed always and loved for eternity.

Emma is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Max Atencio, her son Roman (Romey) Atencio, her parents, Maximiliano & Demetria Roybal; siblings Dorothy Montoya, Juan Roybal, Filemon Roybal, Fares Roybal, Lisa Roybal.

She is survived by her children Loretta Atencio, Sarah Atencio, Augustina Abbott (Louis), Ronald Atencio (Christina); her grandchildren, Michael, Aaron & Alex Atencio, Amelia Holmes (Jorty), Shannon Abbott, Kyle Abbott(Danielle), Elisabeth Atencio; great grandchildren, Madeline Atencio, Nonie Luna Romero, Summer & Olivia Abbott, Maxwell Montgomery, Logan, Zoe & Cody Roman Holmes. She is survived by siblings, Eliza Valdez, Mary Borroel, Mabel Zamora, Flora Simental (Francisco), Toni Atencio, Pete Roybal (Dolores), Dila Romero (Alfredo), and many other relatives.

A public visitation will begin on Monday October 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm, with a rosary to follow at 6:00 pm, in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of De Vargas Funeral Home. A second rosary will begin on October 6, 2026, at 10:15 pm, at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Dixon with a Mass to follow at 11:00 pm and burial will be at the Father Cooper Cemetery in Dixon.  A celebration of her long and beautiful life will be held on October 6, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Dixon after her burial.

The family of Emma Atencio has entrusted the care of their loved one to the De Vargas Funeral Home of the Beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.