In Loving Memory of Patricia Anne Naranjo (Aga Chanu P’ookwing)

February 24, 1941 – June 28, 2026

With deep love and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our precious Patricia Anne Naranjo, lovingly known to all as Auntie Patsy, whose Tewa name was Aga Chanu P’ookwing. Auntie Patsy, an enrolled member of Santa Clara Pueblo, was born on February 24, 1941, at Santa Fe Indian Hospital and peacefully began her journey home on June 28, 2026, at Presbyterian Hospital in Santa Fe, surrounded by the love of her sisters and family.

Auntie Patsy was raised in Santa Clara Pueblo and Santa Fe, where she attended Kaune School, BF Young, and Loretto Academy. Auntie Patsy joyously devoted her entire life to caring for many generations of her family. She became a mother, aunt, grandmother, and powerful source of love to many many nieces, nephews, cousins, family friends, and children who were blessed to grow up in her care. Countless lives were shaped by her kindness, patience, and unconditional love.

She was the sweetest, most innocent soul—loving, compassionate, funny, musical, and pure of heart. Her beautiful smile, laughter, and gentle spirit brought comfort wherever she went. She had a beautiful gift of making everyone feel welcomed, cared for, and deeply loved. Her humor was one of the many ways she expressed that love. Because she dedicated her life to caring for family and never married or had children of her own, she loved joking that her “boyfriends” were the actors and musicians she admired on TV, especially Chuck Connors from The Rifleman. She would make family laugh as she joked that she was sneaking out at night to meet her boyfriends when no one was looking.

Music filled Auntie Patsy’s heart and home. She loved singing along to The Lawrence Welk Show, The Sound of Music, and knew every lyric to timeless songs of Paul Anka, Frankie Avalon, and The Everly Brothers. One song held a particularly special place in her heart: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” because it reminded her of her beloved mother, whom she spoke about often with great love. She also found joy in simple pleasures—going to bingo with her mother, watching her favorite television shows, shopping for dresses, getting her nails done, enjoying a good cheeseburger, a warm cup of coffee, and blue corn atole. Above all, her family was her whole world.

Auntie Patsy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Marcus and Benerita Naranjo, and her siblings. She is lovingly survived by her sisters Barbara, Charlene, Sue, and Pumpkin; her brothers Kevin and Mark; and the numerous generations of nieces, nephews, relatives, and family friends whom she helped raise and who lovingly knew her simply as Auntie Patsy.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who loved and cared for Auntie Patsy throughout her life. The compassion shown to her, especially during her final days, brought great comfort to our family.

Wake services will be held on Tuesday evening, June 30, 2026, at the home of Sharon Nutima in Santa Clara Pueblo. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Clara Pueblo Church, with burial to follow.

Auntie Patsy’s greatest legacy was teaching others how to love simply by the way she loved them. She taught us that family is something we bring together and grow through care, kindness, laughter, and caring for one another every day. We find comfort knowing she has been reunited with her beloved parents and ancestors, and we will carry her gentle spirit, her laughter, and her infinite love with us always.

May her journey home be peaceful, may her spirit be welcomed with love by those who have gone before her, and may we honor her memory by caring for one another with the same tenderness and generosity that she shared throughout her life.

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