With deep love and gratitude, the family of Leontina (Tina) Lydia Gallegos announces her peaceful passing. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community servant, she leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, hard work, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others. Leontina (Tina) Lydia Gallegos 89 resident of Chama passed away peacefully in her home on February 24, after a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her parents Geronimo and Maria Luisa Rivera, her husband Felix Ricardo (Cardo) Gallegos, an infant daughter Sarah Gallegos, and son Richard F. (Cardito) Gallegos, brothers Jerry Rivera, Praxedes Rivera, and sister Mary Louise Rivera. She is survived by a brother José Ignacio Rivera (Jill), a son José Abél Gallegos (Angela), daughters Melinda Gallegos, and Tina Gallegos-Martínez (José Larrañaga) two granddaughters, Hannah Hughes, Lea Pacheco and great-grandson Caleb Olguin. A brother-inlaw Martin Gallegos (Cristella), and sisters-in-law Mary Gallegos, Olivia Rivera, and Patsy Rivera.
Tina was born in Los Ojos New Mexico. She married her best friend Cardo on August 28, 1958. A proud mother of four, she poured her heart into raising her family, creating a home filled with warmth, stability, and unconditional love. Her children were the center of her world, and she guided them with quiet strength, wisdom, and a spirit of resilience that will continue to inspire them for years to come.
Her deep Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She attended Mass diligently, supported church activities, and lived her values through acts of service and kindness. Her devotion was evident not only in her practice, but in the gentle, steady way she cared for others.
As the wife of the Chama fire chief, she played a vital behind-the-scenes role, keeping fire department records and supporting the department in countless ways. She also volunteered tirelessly with the Chama Fire Department’s clothing exchange, helping ensure that families in need found comfort, dignity, and care. Her kindness touched many, and her willingness to give—quietly and without expectation—will be remembered by all who knew her.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to become a grocery store owner alongside her husband Cardo, a role she embraced wholeheartedly as she served her neighbors and contributed to the heartbeat of her community, until they sold the business in 1977. At which time she began working as a bookkeeper for Big A Auto Parts.
She is survived by her family and everyone who knew her. While she will be missed, her memory continues through the community, church, and family she valued, as well as the lives she touched.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and faith she carried throughout her life.
March 7, 2026 with Rosary at 10:00, and Mass at11:00 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Chama, NM and burial to follow at Chama Cemetery.