Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend Lillian C. Maes, 92, of Fort Garland, went to her eternal rest on June 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving daughters.
Lillian was welcomed into this world by her parents, Gilbert and Teresa Maes, of Fort Garland on Nov. 14, 1931. She was very active in sports activities, especially basketball, throughout her high school years.
After high school, Lillian married William Aguilar and they started their family. She was blessed with seven children, and they were the center of her life. The family traveled and lived in many Colorado cities before settling in Eugene, Ore. They spent many weekends camping and fishing on the Oregon coast. They made a lifetime of wonderful memories before eventually moving back to Fort Garland.
Lillian worked for many years in the food industry and her food was loved by many.
Lillian enjoyed dancing and listening to Spanish music especially Indian Nickel, picking pinon, and traveling to Taos, N.M., with her friends for a little gambling and relaxation.
She was a strong, independent woman who was very loving and caring, always ready to help anyone who needed it. Her zest for life and unrelenting spirit will live on through her children and we will continue to make her proud.
Lillian is survived by her children; Michael Aguilar, of Portland, Ore., George (Jani) Aguilar of Eugene, Ore., Joyce (Doug) Smith of Hotchkiss, Colo., Mitzi Aguilar of Fort Garland, Colo., Jackie (Anthony) Bernard of Denver, Colo., and Joey Aguilar of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren; TJ (Kori) Cordova, Aanya Bricker, Tosh (Michelle) Aguilar, Sandi Martinez, Alex Smith, Jerick Saenz, Angel Bernard, Arianna Bernard, Shay Aguilar, Keeonia Aguilar, Joey Aguilar and Sara Aguilar Sheers and 13 great-grandchildren; siblings; Fred (Dolores) Maes, Lee (Horencia) Maes, Pricilla (Steve) Lucero, Veronica (Alex) Marquez; sisters-in-law Darline Maes, Gloria Maes, and Irene Mcgrath; as well as many nephews and nieces.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Teresa Maes, one son Edward Aguilar, Grandson Gabriel Martinez, Brothers Buddy (Nellie) Maes, Gilbert Calvin Maes Jr., and brother-in-law Alex Marquez.
Rosary will be held on Tuesday July 2, 2024, 6 p.m. at The Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Garland, Colo. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday July 3, 2024, 12 p.m., also at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Garland, Colo., with interment to follow at Blanca Ranch Cemetery. Reception will follow the burial at the Old Fort Museum in Fort Garland, Colo.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
