Mamie M. Maestas

Mamie M. Maestas, passed away June 30, 2017, surrounded by her beloved children and grandchildren, who were her life. Her three angels waited at the gates of Heaven, with open arms, to embrace her with her beloved God. Mamie never forgot her two babies who God took away when they were babies.

Mamie is survived by her daughter, Nancy A. Martinez and husband, Anthony; two sons, Bobby D. Gonzales and wife, Tommie, Jimmy Gonzales and wife, Jennifer; two sisters, Josephine Purcella, and Eddie Baca; ten loving grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Nick “Nicky” Gonzales.

Mamie’s parents were farmers in Torrance County, moving the family to Albuquerque when she was eight. She attended Catholic and public schools in Albuquerque. She married very young and while raising her children, she went back to school. Mamie was a very strong person, she would say, “where there is a will, there is a way”, “when you do something, do it right”, “if you want something, work for it”,  “get an education so you can get a good job and have what you need”, “be strong work hard to get everything you need”, “be responsible, appreciate who you are, and what you have, your dignity”, and “always believe in God because without faith we are nothing”.

She was always happy doing everything with her children. Birthdays and holidays, she wanted to be with her children. She loved music and loved to sing with her brothers and friends who played music. Mamie had a lot of friends, she was always willing to help or to do anything for everyone, and she was a people person. She loved everyone and was loved by everyone. Even when she was sick, she would say, “smile when you are in pain”, “if your day is going bad tomorrow will be better”, “if God closes a door on you, he will open another for you, the RIGHT one”, and “stay strong”.  Mamie worked for state and county governments for many years as a legal secretary. She always said she would work forever until 2001 when she was diagnosed with Scleroderma, a painful bone disease.  Mamie will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Rosary will be recited Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 9:30 a.m., and Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., both at San Clemente Catholic Church, 244 Luna Ave. SE, Los Lunas, NM.  Family and friends may visit beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.