Mariella Crawford

Mariella Cordelia Crawford long time resident of Nambe, NM was born in Santa Fe, NM by midwives on May 24, 1953, to Garcedan and Juanita Sandoval, along side her twin sister Marietta.  She is also sister to Robert Steven and Anthony.  She was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 19, 2021, surrounded by some of her loving family, after a sudden and short stay in the hospital.

She was preceded in death by her father Garcedan Sandoval, brother Robert Steven, twin sister Marietta Marquez, grandmother Cordelia G. Romero, brother-in-law Fred Crawford and sister-in-law Carol Theodoru.

Mariella graduated from Venice High School in Los Angeles, CA.  Later in life, she worked for several years as a secretary at the Board of Education in Santa Fe, NM.  During this time she met and married the love of her life, Lo, her husband of 40 years.  Early in their marriage, they enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking, country western dancing and won many competitions.  That passion for dancing was translated into their love for one another throughout their marriage.

In 1984 they moved to Fresno, CA where she pursued a career as a legal secretary for a law firm in Fresno, CA.  Eventually in 1990 the Crawford’s moved back to Nambe, NM and was then able to spend her time attending to the care of her grandmother, mother and father.  She also found herself immersed in several hobbies and crafts like crocheting, quilting, jewelry making, sewing (which also evolved into an embroidery business).  Last but not least, she was introduced to the world of natural living and began making essential oil blends for health.  She enjoyed blessing others with all of her many talents.  In fact, chances are if you encountered her anywhere, she offered you a token of her love and affection with one of her handcrafted creations such as a crocheted blanket, make-up bag, bottle cover or an essential oil blend for pain relief.

Mariella spent many hours teaching her grandchildren at home and yet she also found time to continue her secretarial skills in setting up a handyman business called “Lo Maintenance” with her loving husband Lo.  Her joy was tending to the needs of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Her life was devoted to making sure everyone had what they needed.  She put everyone else above herself.  If one would look to words to describe her it would be loving, compassionate, caring, pleasant, giving, selfless, faithful, prayerful, dependable, honest, beautiful, strong, enduring and a good listener.

She had meaningful relationships.  Mariella loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her husband, her family and she loved her life!   She is survived by her husband Lo, her daughters Sonya and son-in-law, Carl Roberts, Loella Crawford and Celli Crawford, mother Juanita Sandoval, brother, Anthony Sandoval, brother-in-law, Edward Marquez, sister, Suzanna Yanez and husband Robert Duesenberg,  grandchildren: Garcedan, Alexandria and husband Houston, Brisa, Lluvia, Olivia, Logan, nieces and nephews: Kathryn Sandoval and partner Jeremy Vigil and children, Alexis, Jeremy, Sky, and Kylee, Suzette Sandoval and partner Henry Quintana and daughter Josie, Andrew Sandoval and children, Andres, Shanya & Clarice, Christina Marquez and daughter Mariah Quintero and son Gavino Pinon-Quintero, Eddie Marquez, Jr. and wife Sylvia and sons Aaron, Steven & Michael and dear friend Molly Sandoval.

There will not be any services for Mariella’s family as per her request.  The family however, would like to thank the staff at DeVargas Funeral Home for their tremendous help through this trying time and all who continue to pray the Lord’s comfort and care for Mariella’s family.  Most of all we would also like to give glory to God who gives comfort by His Holy Spirit assuring His children that salvation is attained only through faith in His son Jesus Christ our Lord!  “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  Romans 10:10 salvation.”  Romans 10:10