Marlene Sue Tafoya, known as “Patty”, 70, was born March 18, 1953, in Pueblo, Colo., and went to be with the Lord on Feb. 15, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents Viola E Ruybal and John C Samora; her daughter Richelle S Jaramillo; three brothers Duane, Mario and Richard Samora; and a sister Annalee Samora.
Patty is survived by her loving husband of almost 52 years Richard L Tafoya; Daughter Esperanza (Jared) Maestas, Son Ricardo (Megan) Tafoya; adoring grandchildren Michaela (Joel) Estrada, Michael and Maya Jaramillo, Domanic (Heaven) Gallegos, Nathaniel (Mariah) Owsley, Kayleigh Padilla, Briana and Ignacio Tafoya, and Joaquin Maestas; precious great-grandchildren Jaedyn and Ethan Estrada, Luciana Owsley, Miciela and Harmony Vega; as well as six sisters, two brothers, numerous nieces, nephews, god-children, extended family, and friends.
Above all, Marlene loved God and her family. To know her was to love and be loved by her. With open arms, she welcomed everyone into her home and never turned anyone away.
She loved sewing, crafts and creating memorable gifts for her family. She loved to cook for her family and her specialty was her famous tortillas. Her children and grandchildren often gathered with their friends in her kitchen and enjoyed a special meal that she enjoyed preparing for them. She loved to sit and admire her family, often bragging about them and always taking pictures or videos of them.
When it came to being a Nana/Grandmother, Patty was the best. She helped take care of all her grandchildren and great-children, whether it meant being their daily caretaker, taking them to and from school, making them lunch, praying with them, teaching them about the bible, attending their sporting events or sitting on the floor playing toys with them — she loved every minute of it. She was their biggest advocate and supporter.
Being a special-needs educator for 18 years, Patty had a special place in her heart for children with special needs. She also loved to go to yard sales and enjoyed her time outside. She had a sweet tooth, she enjoyed strawberry milkshakes and sitting outside her house on summer days with her family. She had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her plants.
Her family and friends will fondly remember her for being the sweetest, purest and loving soul on Earth. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by all of the people that were blessed to know her.
Services for Marlene will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, with a viewing to begin at 6 p.m. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. both at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista, Colo. Mass of Resurrection will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. also at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista with Interment to follow at the Del Norte Cemetery, Del Norte, Colo.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
