Melanie Jeanette Maestas, was born to Reginaldo and Maria Maestas on January 8, 1968, in Española, New Mexico. She was a devoted daughter and a beloved sister to Kathleen Maestas and Reggie (Kimberly) Maestas.

Melanie was preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Maestas; her maternal grandparents, Alfredo and Rosanna Sanchez; her paternal grandparents, Filiberto and Donelia Maestas; her padrinos Floyd and Donelia Maestas; and and her beloved dog, Sugar.

Española was always home for Melanie. A graduate of McCurdy High School, she held a deep affection for her hometown and state. Melanie dedicated her professional life to the State of New Mexico, where she worked almost her entire career.

Melanie was a cornerstone of her family. She shared an exceptionally close bond with her parents. She and her mother were inseparable, speaking to one another multiple times every single day. In a final act of profound love, her parents chose to be her primary caregivers at the end of her life.

Being ten years older than her brother, Reggie, Melanie stepped into the role of a second mother early in life—a bond that remained unbreakable. She playfully embraced years of mischief from him and will forever be known by the nickname he gave her, 'Blondie.' As Reggie grew older, Melanie was even known to play hooky from work just to spend the day with him.

This playful spirit was equally shared with her sister, Kathleen. The two learned their way around Albuquerque by 'getting lost' in it, later upping their game with trips to Las Vegas and countless concerts. Because Melanie had a lifelong love of music, she and Kathleen attended many concerts together, with none more special than seeing her favorite, Janet Jackson.

In addition to her siblings, Melanie shared an especially deep connection with her many female cousins and her sister-in-law, whom she affectionately knew as her sisters at heart. In many ways, these women were her closest confidants and a source of great strength. The bond they shared brought her immense happiness through the largest of challenges.

Melanie’s home was her sanctuary, a place where she found great comfort. A day spent in soft pajamas, snuggling under a cozy blanket with her pups, was something she truly cherished. She had profound love for her fur-babies. This passion began many years ago when she brought home her first beloved dog, Sugar, on Valentine’s Day. Her heart remained full of love for her current pups, Rosie and Rambo, who were her constant companions.

Melanie’s joyful, child-like spirit made every experience better. Whether she was scouting for "special shapes" at the Balloon Fiesta, dressing up in lights for Española’s light parade, or simply sharing a laugh over a nice meal, she was a partner in fun to everyone she knew. Yet her greatest gift was her ability to be there for others in their most difficult and emotional times.

Melanie lived her life with a full heart and a generous spirit, and she will be deeply missed. She was a devoted daughter, our “Blondie,” our sister, and our friend, and her light will never truly fade.

Service Information: Services will be held at El Buen Pastor, 609 Calle Rivera Española, NM 87532 on Thursday, February 19 at 10:30am. In celebration of her vibrant spirit, Melanie requested that guests dress “as colorful as can be.”

Questions can be directed to Devargas Funeral Home, 505-747-7477.

Memorial Donations: In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that you instead make a donation in Melanie’s memory to one of the charities she chose:

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation: https://give.bcrf.org/campaign/725895/donate

The Espanola Humane Animal Shelter: https://www.espanolahumane.org/donate/

The family of Melanie Maestas has entrusted the care of their loved on to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.