Margot Alison Padilla (née McLachlan), born on April 11, 1947, in Australia and a lifelong resident of Española, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026.

Margot dedicated her life to caring for others and made a lasting impact on countless children and families through her work as a teacher's aide at Los Alamos, Fairview, and Los Niños schools. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, quick wit, and the genuine compassion she shared with everyone she met.

Margot is survived by brother, Gordon McLachlan & partner, Victoria; sister, Helen Chappell (née McLachlan) & husband, Ivor Chappell, daughter, Anita Carter (née Padilla) & husband, Keith Carter; and her beloved grandchildren, Maegan Mann (née Carter) & husband, Joshua Mann, & Evan Carter and partner, Nevaeh.

She is also survived by her loving companion of 15 years, Donaciano Trujillo; children, Shane Trujillo & wife Chantel, Matt Trujillo & wife Shannon, & Brian Trujillo; grandchildren, Kayden, Brenden & husband John, Kysen, Emma & husband Hunter, Ellie & husband Ryker; & great-granddaughter, Charlotte.

Margot is further survived by many cherished relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by her warmth, friendship, and unwavering love.

The family will hold a private service at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests tribute donations be made to the Espanola Humane “in Memory of Margot A. Padilla” at https://www.espanolahumane.org/donate/.

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