Lucy Serna

Lucy G. Serna began her journey to eternal life at the age of 79 on April 24, 2021 after a nine-month battle with cancer. She was born to Alfredo M. Salazar, Sr. and Antonia M. Salazar on October 15, 1941 in Chamita, New Mexico.

She was the ninth of 11 children. She was preceded in death by her son, Arthur Serna; daughter, Wendy Maes; her parents, her father- and mother-in-law, Abedon Serna, Sr. and Asencion Serna; brothers, Ruben Salazar (Teresita), Alfredo Salazar, Jr. (Elvira), Julian Salazar (Mary), infant brother, Tomasito Lee; sister, Natividad Roybal (Tony); brothers-in-law, Juan Eledo Garcia, Ralph Ulibarri, and Frank Martinez.

Lucy played softball for many years and retained many close friends from the game who remained close until her final days; especially Juanita “Bambi” Chavez. When age and health had forced her to leave the sport, her passion for the game continued by following her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s athletic endeavors. Even when no one she knew was playing, Lucy could be found sitting in the stands at a local game or watching games on TV. During the off-seasons, she often spent her time working on jigsaw and word puzzles with her husband and family. She was renowned for her culinary exploits, and extended family would come from far and wide just to get a taste of her famous Christmas chile and other traditional foods such as sweet meat empanaditas, and galletas. While they were visiting, they might bring a plush pig or figurine to add to her extensive piggy collection adorning every room in her Chamita home.

Lucy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Orlando Serna; children, Tina Moore (Rick), Shelly Serna, Jeff Serna, Dean Serna (Tammy), Timo Serna; grandchildren, Nicole Fresquez, Brittany Serna, Travis Serna, Tiffany Serna-Kuhn, Nicholas Serna, Arthur Davey, Adrianna Gasca (Jose), Gregory Serna, Maria Schoeppner (Joaquin); great-grandchildren, Justin Cordova, Josiah Fresquez, Arianna Ganado, Xzavier Pere, Julian Gallegos, Zakaryah Fresquez, Rhyannen Serna, Jacob Serna, Lynae and Elijah Gasca, Theodore Serna, Dylan Trujillo, and another due to arrive in August; sisters, Pauline Garcia, Rosalie Shane (Charlie), and Connie Rodriquez (Eduardo); brothers, Gilbert Salazar (Nora), and Rudy “Dewey” Salazar (Helen); in-laws, Abedon Serna, Jr. (Loyola), Ida Ulibarri, Sennie Jaramillo (Rudy), RoseEllen Montoya (Robert), Esther Martinez, and Jose “Ernie” Serna; and several generations of nieces and nephews.

Lucy asked that we express her thanks and gratitude to the team at Christus St. Vincent Cancer Center, especially the oncology nurses at Christus St. Vincent Hospital, for the expert care she received, and to her friends from the gym for their love and support. She also like to express our gratitude to the staff for treating Lucy with dignity and for their professional.

Serving the as pallbearers are Travis, Nicholas and Gregory Serna, Arthur Davey, Alex Rodriguez, and RoseAnne Maestas. Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters and all her great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Lucy has requested that Memorial donations may be made to the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Research Fund. Gifts can be made, noting in memory of Lucy Serna, online at https://www.unmfund.org/fund/unmcc-cancer-research-fund/  or by check payable to UNM Foundation sent to UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Development Office, MSC07 4025, 1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh under the care of DeVargas Funeral Home with a burial to follow at San Pedro Cemetery in Chamita.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lucy G. Serna, please visit our Tree Store.