Maria Toni Alarid

Maria “Toni” Alarid, 91, a resident of Alcalde, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2020. She was in assisted living for a year prior to her death, Toni passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Toni is survived by her daughter, Cathy Alarid; grandson, Benjamin Bustos and wife Tina; great-grandsons, Christopher and Mario Bustos all of Albuquerque; great-granddaughter, Elle Bustos and her mother, Alissa Byrne, of Santa Fe; numerous beloved relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fidel Alarid, daughter, Rose Alarid, grandson, Jeremy Bustos, and numerous other family members.

Toni spoke fondly of her youth growing up in the Espanola Valley, from attending dances to being pulled in a horse-drawn wagon to attend church in the winter months. She loved the valley. She spent the majority of her life on the beloved family property located in Los Luceros along the Rio Grande.

The only thing that tore her from her home was her duty to country during WWII. She answered the need by moving to Oakland California where she worked in the Moore Dry Docks as a riveter bolting destroyers together for the war effort. She was always proud to say that she was one of the real “Rosie the Riveters”.

After the war she returned home where she met and later married the love of her life, Fidel. They had 63 beautiful years together, during which they built a home and a family and enjoyed an unwavering journey together until his death.

Toni loved spending time with her family and actively participating in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent years she was the managing owner of the Ojito Trailer Park.  It gave her great joy to interact with her Ojito families.  She dearly cared for and cherished time spent with each and every one of her many loved ones, family and community alike.

The family has placed their trust in DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. Private burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. At this time services are being limited to family due to the current public health crisis. The family appreciates you keeping her and them in your prayers.