Viola Mondragon, 80, of Santa Fe, NM was called to rest on Friday, February 23, 2018. She was born in Santa Cruz, NM on December 8, 1937.

Viola was preceded in death by her mother, Estella Martinez; father, Salomon Martinez, husband, Orlando B. Mondragon and brother, J.B. Martinez. Viola is survived by three siblings: Ruth Dunlap of Farmington, NM, Sam Martinez (Virginia) of Abiquiu, NM, and Mary Buttry of Regina, NM; daughter, Anna Mondragon-Metzger; son-in-law, Barry Metzger; granddaughter, Raji Metzger (Santa Fe, NM) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and long-time friends.

Viola was a graduate of McCurdy Mission School located in Santa Cruz, NM. Upon graduation, she attended NM Highlands University, where she met and married Orlando, her husband of 58 years. They lived most of their married life in San Luis, CO, where Orlando owned and operated a small family business.

After the birth of their daughter, Viola began working for ASCS (AGRICULTRAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE), a USDA agency, first as a program clerk and later as a County Executive Director. She was responsible for administering programs concerning farm products and promoting agricultural conservation. She loved her job and always warmly referred to her farm clients as “my farmers”, even after retirement. After 25 years of service with ASCS, she ‘retired’ and took a space within her husband’s building on Main St. to open a laundromat. It quickly became a hub of activity, offering services and advice that were worth much more than the $2.00 spent to wash and dry a load of laundry. She quickly became everyone’s “Mom” because she unconditionally loved and welcomed everyone and never expected anything in return.

In 2006, Viola and her husband moved to Santa Fe to be closer to their daughter and her family and to medical care. Since Viola was not one to sit still, she continued to work as a teacher assistant in various school settings in Santa Fe so she could be close to her granddaughter, until 2009. Family was very important to Viola. She will be fondly remembered for her ability to pull together a magnificent meal, followed by equally sumptuous dessert with what seemed like minimal effort. There is no doubt that the main ingredient was love.

The family wishes to thank all our good neighbors on Coyote Pass Road for your help and support during this difficult time. Viola’s spirit will continue to live through those whose lives she has touched.

A Rosary will be recited on Friday, March 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kiva Chapel of Light located at 417 East Rodeo Rd. in Santa Fe, NM 87505. The Funeral Service, will be on Saturday, March 3 at 1:00pm at the Kiva Chapel of Light followed by interment at Santa Fe Memorial Gardens. . Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Phone: (505) 989-7032 riverafamilyfuneralhome.com