Lucinda Archuleta

Lucinda “Lucy” M. Archuleta, 82, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on August 6, 1944, in Leadville, CO, Lucy was one of six siblings. In the winter of 1949, her family moved to Santa Cruz, NM—a place she would forever call home. She attended Santa Cruz High School and proudly graduated as a Crusader in the spring of 1963.

After high school, Lucy attended El Chamisal in El Rito, NM, where she earned her cosmetology license. It was there she met Hilbert, the love of her life. They married in 1968 and shared 43 beautiful years together while raising their two beloved children, Cindy and Glenn.

Although cosmetology was something she enjoyed, Lucy used it mostly as a hobby, often styling the hair of her sisters. Instead, she built a career with Española Public Schools doing what she loved most—cooking. She retired from the district in 2007.

Lucy lived a simple, fulfilling life centered around the things she loved: spending time in the kitchen, tending to the garden, sewing and embroidering, and being surrounded by family and friends. She had a wit that could draw out a smile even on the hardest days, and a warmth that made strangers feel like old friends. Her love was steady, generous, and felt in every dish she cooked, every conversation she shared, and every moment she gave of herself.

Lucy is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Hilbert; her beloved son, Glenn; parents, Gregorio and Honorata Mondragon; sisters, Loretta Montoya, Rose Martinez, Antonia Quintana, and Roberta Mondragon; in-laws, Pedro and Beatrice Archuleta; brothers-in-law, Fred Archuleta, Joseph Montoya, Juan Quintana, Ross Martinez, Joe Lopez, and Jimmy Lovato; sisters-in-law, Helen Mondragon and Charlene Martinez; and nieces and nephews, Amanda Archuleta, Razelle Velez, and Ricky Martinez.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy; grandchildren, Kassandra, Jaylen, Amada, Alejandro, and Azalea; great-grandson, Matthew Ray; her brother, Gabriel Mondragon; daughter-in-law, Christine Guillen-Archuleta; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Celerino (Marjorie) Archuleta, Marie Lopez, Gladys (John) Archuleta, Peter (Pearl) Archuleta, Jeanette Archuleta, Marylin (Victor) Baca, Isadora (Steve) Archuleta, and Louie (Carol) Martinez; along with numerous other loving family and friends.

Services will take place on Tuesday December 9th ,2025 at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11:00 A.M with the burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Alejandro Trujillo, Rusty Guillen, Steve Archuleta, Ray Montoya, Peter Archuleta and Johnny Baca. Honorary pallbearers will be Cindy, Jaylen, Kassandra, Amada, and Azalea.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Taos Healthcare, Bev from hospice of Taos for the care and comfort of Lucy during her final months. Also thanks to the Staff at DeVargas Funeral Home for their wonderful service and care during this difficult time.

The Family of Lucinda Archuleta has entrusted the care of their loved to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477