Mela Salazar

MELA SALAZAR , 88, a resident of Velarde, was called home by our dear Lord on Monday, May 4, 2020. Mela (Manuela) was born to Marcelino and Marina Martinez on March 7, 1932, in Lyden. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Cresencio Martinez, Oralia Garcia, Juan Andres Martinez, and Noberto Martinez; her first husband and father of her children, Ernesto Salazar; son, Michael, daughter, Betty Jean; and her great-granddaughter, DeShawyn Lujan. Mela is survived by her husband, Jose Cruz Monzon; children, Martha (Michael) Lujan and Erineo (Joann) Salazar; step- children, Maritza and Juan Jose Cruz Santos; 10 grandchildren, Diego, Miguel and Maria Louisa Lujan; Reggie and Anna Salazar, Valerie De Wulf; Andrea Sanchez and Ernesto Salazar; Michelle and Ashley Salazar; 13 great grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter; and her last sibling Berlinda Martinez. Mela was a woman of great faith and prayed the rosary daily. She was the typical Hispanic “Betty Crocker” who loved to cook and bake. She crocheted, sewed and loved being outside in her beautiful rose garden and other flowers. She had an orchard and vegetable garden, canning fruits, vegetables and making jams. She was known for not letting anything go to waste. In addition to working outside the home as a seamstress and housekeeper, she kept an impeccable home. One of her greatest accomplishments in life was receiving her GED as a grandmother, passing her tests on her first try. She enjoyed going out to eat (except Chinese) and especially loved going to the casino. She could not be without her word search books. She enjoyed talking on the phone to friends from Taos that she had met at senior citizen dances. Serving the family as pallbearers are Diego Lujan, Miguel Lujan, Reggie Salazar, Ernesto Salazar, Brandon Salazar, and Michael De Wulf. Honorary pallbearers named are Isaiah Trujillo, Jordan Trujillo, Brian Archuleta and the rest of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-granddaughter. A private family burial will take place with a public service to be held at a later date.  The family of Mela Salazar has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.