Euralia M. Vigil

Euralia M. Vigil, “Grandma Lala,” age 94, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Chimayo on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Victoriano Vigil; infant daughters: Frances and Ida-Mae; parents: Julianita and Severo Martinez; her sisters and brothers: Doloritas, Manuelita, Alicia, Fidelita, Juanita, Seledon, Sr., Pulita, Tony, and Castulo; and her nephew who she considered a son, Bert Vigil. She was also preceded in death by several friends, relatives, in-laws, brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Euralia was an incredibly strong, faithful, reliable, tough, loving, dedicated, giving, proud, and respectful woman to the very end. She was a Menaul High School graduate and received her Bachelor of Arts from New Mexico Highlands University. She was a dedicated school teacher for over 30 years and taught elementary education across northern New Mexico and Chimayo. Euralia retired from the Española Public Schools and was adored by many students over the years. Her pride and joy were her entire family, her “Rancho Alegre,” and her lifelong love of farming and agriculture. Euralia’s life was spent educating the youth of the valley and providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the community, selling at local farmers markets, including Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Española. She also loved to crochet, read the newspaper daily, do word search puzzles, listen to New Mexico music, and care for her pets. Euralia will be tremendously missed by her family.

She is survived by her children: Julie Ann Martinez and husband Ralph of Chimayo; Diana Chavez and husband Chris from Dallas, Texas; grandchildren: Javier R. Martinez and wife Kathleen, Severo V. Martinez and partner Patrick Rubi, Dr. Michael Chavez and future Dr. Daniel Chavez. Euralia will also be missed by her only remaining sibling Susie Martinez and her husband, Abel; her special nephew and niece Jimmy Vigil and wife Barbara; Ida Mae Stevens (whom she helped raise), sister-in-law Josephine Martinez; and numerous loving and special nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. She will be remembered by so many exceptional people in her life, including her friend of many years, Linda Hull, Marmi Martinez (incredible loving nurse and unofficial granddaughter), and Mayra Parra (dedicated caretaker and amiga).

The family respectfully and sincerely thanks all her dedicated doctors, nurses, and Presbyterian Hospice Services, including Cha-Cha, Lilliana, Rosie, and all others who provided care in Euralia’s final days and the past couple of years. The family genuinely wishes to thank everyone who provided love and support to Grandma LaLa and her family. Thank you to everyone who showed love and kindness. We thank you for your visits and calls. To those who brought flowers, gifts, food, beverages, monetary donations, and those we may have missed, a huge “Thank you.” Your love and support are greatly appreciated and will be cherished forever.

Euralia’s services will be on Thursday, December 29, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo; the Rosary is at 1 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. The Burial will follow at the Nuestra Señora de Dolores Cemetery behind Holy Family Parish.

The family has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. www.devargasfuneral.com (505)747-7477