ESTHER PADILLA,
41, a resident of Española, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 following a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Emiliano and Andalesia Lopez; paternal grandparents, Margarito and Soledad Velasquez special cousin, Patrick Lopez and father-in-law, Herminio Padilla Sr. Esther was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister, her children were her life. Her favorite place to be was at the Abiquiu Lake boating and tanning with family and friends. Esther will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Mrs. Padilla is survived by her husband, Herminio Padilla Jr.; children, Briana Padilla and Joshua Padilla all of Española; step-daughter, Jennifer Maestas of Utah; mother, Molly Velasquez and husband Charlie of Abiquiu; father, Leonard Velasquez of Cañones; brothers, Margarito Velasquez and Aaron Velasquez; sister, Victoria Velasquez of Abiquiu; step-brothers and sister, Alvin Martinez of Española and Charlene and husband Harold Barela; mother-in-law, Arlene Padilla of Española; brothers and sister-in-law, Gene Padilla of Española, Phillip Padilla and wife Judy of Española, Bernie Padilla and wife Pam of Chamita and Karla Zamora and husband Matthew of Arizona; uncles, Leroy Lopez and wife Joyce and Frankie Lopez and wife Carmen all of Abiquiu, Cliseria and Juan Montoya, Grace and Felix Valdez, Emma Martinez, Flora Velasquez and Horacio Velasquez all of Cañones, very special cousins Bryan Montoya, Alonzo Lopez and Pancho Lopez and numerous other relatives from both sides of the family and friends. Cremation is being planned. A memorial service was held on Monday Jan. 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home. A second memorial service was Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Abiquiu. Honorary pallbearers named were all her nieces, nephews and special friends, Angela Suazo, Roberta Martinez and Bernadette Griego. The Padilla family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com