Veronica Quintana

VERONICA VENETIA QUINTANA “LYDEN LOCA”, 42, a lifelong resident of Lyden, was called home by our dear Lord on Thursday, April 2, 2020. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Modesto Sr. and Estella Quintana; father, Joe Romero, Sr.; father of her children, Richard Hice; and companion, Harold Sanchez, Jr., and God-mother, Lorraine Herrera. Veronica is survived by her son, Derek Hice (Rickie) and daughter, Caitlin Hice (Teri); granddaughter, Renezmae Hice; mother, Maria Holguin; step-father, Javier Holguin; siblings, Jessica and Matthew Holguin and Joe, Jr., Julian and Daniel Romero; mother-in-law, Berlinda Hice; uncles, Eppie and Modesto Quintana; aunt, Gloria Quintana; God-father, Ben Herrera; God-daughters, Lenisiana Gallegos and Aaliyah Armijo and other aunts, uncles and cousins. Veronica pursued her interest in criminal justice and was shy just hours from achieving her Bachelor’s degree in that field. She became a dispatcher for the Espanola 911 Center where she devoted 18 years of her life. Over the years, her coworkers were not just friends but became family to her. Veronica was a selfless person and loved helping others whether she knew them or not. She was dearly loved and respected by family, friends, coworkers, law enforcement, and emergency personnel. While at work she focused on keeping her officers, EMT, firefighters and 911 callers safe. Veronica had many close cousins and friends that she cared about dearly and put their needs before hers. When not at work, she enjoyed spending time with her children, granddaughter and family, taking pictures and making memories that we will cherish forever. In the summer time she looked forward to fishing trips with her children, camping with her family, and taking care of her rose bushes. She also enjoyed going to Chama Days, State Fair, concerts, and she had just recently experienced her first visit to the Balloon Fiesta, which she loved. During the winter time she loved to help her uncles with the butchering after a successful hunt, and also cherished spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. Sitting around and joking with family and friends was something Veronica could never get enough of. She was extremely proud of her children and proud of the fact that she had a tight-knit family who would support her through any and everything. Veronica looked forward to watching Caitlin graduate from High School/College and being alongside Derek as they watched Renezmae grow up. Veronica will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all of the lives of whom she touched. Services are pending at this time, but in the future, we will be holding a rosary, mass, and a meal to celebrate her life. The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out, visited, prayed and brought food/gifts to us during this difficult time. We sincerely appreciate it and hope that you will join us for future services. The family of Veronica Venetia Quintana has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.