Ascencion "Chona" Mares

Born in a rural part of Guadalupe County (Colonias), New Mexico, Chona grew up on a working ranch along with her 8 siblings. The fourth in line of the Sisneros family, she helped with chores, including traveling to Greeley, Colorado to help pick beets to add to the family coffers. The work was difficult and eventually led to a life- changing malady. Despite the hardships she persevered and eventually graduated from high school in

Santa Rosa, N.M. After graduation Chona worked at the local drug store, where she met the love of her life, Presciliano "Percy" Mares. They eventually relocated to El Paso, as Percy pursued a college degree in Business Administration from Texas Western College (now UTEP). While in El Paso, 2 sons were born, Francis James Mares & Patrick Gary Mares. Percy was then awarded general manager of a local office in Albuquerque, and the family relocated in 1963.Ascención raised a family in a wonderful, loving environment, and, as her two sons left to college, she began working in retail utilizing her keen fashion sense. Eventually, Chona became a buyer for the Saint Joseph Hospital gift shop where she volunteered for many years. She was a dedicated wife, nurturing mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in her death by her husband Presciliano, her son Gary Mares, DDS, parents Ramon & Vicenta Sisneros, brother Ramoncito Sisneros, sisters Vita Lucero, Clara Chávez & Rita Rivera. Surviving family members include son Francis James Mares, MD, his wife Barbara Jean; their daughters Cristina Marie, her husband James Kearney, and Andrea Jean; granddaughter Rachael McDermott & husband Terry; grandson Michael Mares & wife Michelle, and great grandchildren Jude & Lucy; brother Christian Sisneros & sisters Paula Salcido & Demecia Hall.

Rosary and Mass will be on Thursday, October 24, commencing at 8 am at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish. Burial will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network.