Perfilia Reuben Candelaria, 94, affectionately known as “Perfie” departed on the morning of June 4, 2024, peacefully at her home with daughters at her side. Perfilia was born in Paiseja (San Rafael), Colo., to the union of Marcelino and Marie Irene (Rodriquez) Madril who preceded her in death along with her beautiful husband, Joe Arthur and their only son, Johnny; three brothers, Nasario, Elegario (Lee), Ubaldo (Walter); one sister, Natividad; great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Vigil; great-great-grandson, Josiah Vigil, and son-in-law, Ed Knecht.

Perfilia is survived by four daughters, Irene Knecht, Anne Gomez, Corrine Candelaria, and Laura (Chris) Perez; seven grandchildren, Perfilia (Daniel) Vigil, Veronica (Andrew Gallegos) Knecht, Sharon (Jake Korba) Roberts, Lynn (Jon) Suter, Jessica Gomez, Michael Roberts, Enrique Perez; 17 great-grandchildren, Marivel (Andrew) Yslava, Brooke (Jack Ortega) Vigil, Jacobo Vigil, Taylor Suter, Haley Suter, Chaziah (Dezirae Rauch) Villa, Kiara Gallegos, Aiden Knecht, Lieta Korba, Kendra Korba, Braden Suter, Alex Korba, Constance Korba, Mason Suter, Tristan Korba, Kamylla Rose Gallegos, and Nico Korba; 10 great-great-grandchildren, Brayleigh Sisneros, Danielle, Donovan, Lailia, Lyahna Canelo and James Vigil; Isaiah and Jack Ortega, and Pheonix Knight; in-laws, Elijio Candelaria, Alice (Ben Martinez) Candelaria, Marlene Candelaria, Valerie (Alfonso) Lopez and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

Perfie, was not afraid of hard work. As a young girl after her daddy passed, she worked to help her mom, Irene. She then found employment as a nanny for the Hamilton’s which provided additional financial stability as well as great opportunities which broadened the means to travel outside of the state of Colorado with the Hamilton’s.

At the age of 21, she married her husband Joe Candelaria, a union of 71 years together. Perfie worked along his side with their entrepreneurships, J&P Phillips 66 gas-station and the Candelaria Waste Management services.

When not involved with the family business she worked in the kitchen at the Sacred Heart Orphanage, packing desserts for distribution and bringing plenty home-she loved her sweet rolls. Perfie worked with Senior Resource Development Agency (SRDA) transportation department, ensuring clients had a ride to appointments and safely returning home, we are certain she’d get invited in for a visit which included coffee and a sweet roll. In addition, she worked as the Bus Aide for D60 students, enjoying the young children. I can see her smiling with that job.

Outdoorsy she was. Active with hunting both elk and rabbit, oh, and don’t forget fly fishing. She would tinker for hours with the vegetable garden both planting and harvesting; tended to and nourished her rose bushes with love, creating them more beautiful each year. We continue to admire them today.

For those lives in which she touched, your memories will be plentiful and wonderful! Perfie, as beautiful as her rose gardens, as warm as the sun which shines upon them and as soft as their petals.

Rosary 9:30 a.m. with Funeral Mass to follow at 10 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, both at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Imperial Memorial Gardens.