Mary Ann Tafoya, 77, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at River Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Del Norte, Colo. She was born Feb. 16, 1948, in Del Norte, Colo., to Arturo and Eva (Arellano) Vigil, and was lovingly raised by her grandmother Marina Vigil and uncle Cristobal Vigil.
Mary Ann was a 1965 graduate of Del Norte High School and received her teaching degree and master's degree in teaching from Adams State College. She was a lifelong believer in the transformative power of higher education. She worked as an elementary school teacher with the Del Norte schools and was a fierce advocate for children. She loved and cherished her students, and they affectionately called her Mrs. T.
Always a proponent for justice and civic involvement, Mary Ann was the first female trustee for the Town of Del Norte. She worked tirelessly to create a better world, especially for children.
She loved to craft, enjoying knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She was the family historian and had the gift of conversation.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel F. Tafoya, sons Daniel (Crystal) Tafoya and Timothy (Charles Cox) Tafoya, niece Stephanie (Sandra) Qualls, her grandchildren Sabrina Armenta, Sarina, Alona, Daniel R., Lorelai Tafoya and numerous siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Cremation was chosen and services will be held at a later date.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
