Margaret Alicia Maes

Our living treasure Margaret Maes, 94, of Vadito, NM, transitioned peacefully October 24, 2025, with her Lord and Savior. Her beautiful soul left this world surrounded by her family.

Margaret was born in Rio Lucio, NM on August 4, 1931, to Leonardo and Doloritas Martinez. She attended Penasco School district completing the 11th grade.

Margaret met Rafael Maes they were married February 7,1948. Margaret’s talents were many. She was a gifted homemaker who found joy in sewing, baking delicious treats from scratch, canning fresh produce from her garden, and preparing meals that brought everyone together around the table.

She was meticulous at ironing and heavily starching mens dress shirts and helping to supplement the family income whenever she could. She worked at the Los Alamos High School has a great cook/baker.

Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband Rafael Maes, her three loving children Louella, Leonardo, Anthony, parents Leonardo and Doloritas Martinez, granddaughters Christina Gonzales and Louella Maes, great- grandsons baby William Vigil and Steven Dutcher, great grandchild Alyssa Maes and granddaughter Marcy Vigil, in-laws Max and Teresita Maes, Sister Genara (Avelino) Gurule, bother Amado (Mable) Martinez, bother Lauriano (Clarita) Martinez, sister Orciviana (Camilo) Torres, sister Teresa (Adelaido) Chavez and bother Ernesto Martinez. In-Laws Francis (Henry) Vigil, Alfredo (Elisa) Maes, Joe Maes, Emily Maes and Rudy (Lorraine) Maes

Margaret was a loving mother to her six children: Gene (Evelyn) Maes, Ruby Maes (Robert), Joann (Andy) Gonzales, Louie Maes, Theresa (Leo) Lopez, Brenda Maes. Margaret also considered Rose Vigil as a daughter. As well as wonderful sisters-in-law Ruth Martinez, Virginia (Pete) Martinez. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless pride and joy. Compadres, nieces, and nephews.

Margaret was a devoted wife to her loving husband Rafael for 54 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, Godmother, and friend to many. She cared deeply for everyone she met and knew.

Margaret was a devout Catholic and a woman of great faith all her life. She loved to cook and bake. She spread her joy and love of cooking to all those with whom she shared her life.

We will now have that void in our hearts, but we will fill the void with all the many beautiful lessons she taught and gave us.

Thank you to Presbyterian Hospice Nurses Lilliana and Rosie. Our family is truly grateful for all the wonderful care our mother received.

Thank you to her loving daughter Theresa and Leo Lopez for opening their home along with their families in caring for Grandma Maggie the past few years. Also, we would like to thank Joann and Andy Gonzales and Ruby Maes.

A special thank you to Luna who brought the biggest joy to her Amma’s life every day.

A Rosary will take place at 6:00 pm at Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025

A Rosary will take place at 6:00 pm at the San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco, New Mexico, on Thursday, November 6, 2025

Mass of Christian Burial will be held November 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco, New Mexico. Burial to follow at the Vadito Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Rafael.

Pallbearers are Jeff Vigil, Marty Vigil, Gerard Towles, Johnny Ray Staub, Andrew Gonzales, Joseph Maes, Joey Madrigal, Patrick Martinez

Honorary Pallbearers are grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren.

The family of Margaret Maes has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477