Aurora "Dora" Fidel

Aurora (“Dora”) Fidel was born on Monday, December 29, 1930. She passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, and lived a full and rewarding 93 years. She married Joseph A. Fidel, on Friday, October 14, 1949. Joe passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. 

Dora passed peacefully from natural causes and was surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her father, H.T. (Gene) Baca, her mother, Clara Baca; her brothers, Don Baca and Richard Baca; her sister, Sylvia Lobato; her granddaughter, Jennifer Lea Smith and her grandson, Marc Anthony Rice. She is survived by her sisters, Irene Fidel of Grants, NM and Carol Payne of Albuquerque, NM.

Dora and Joe raised five daughters, Barbara Fidel, Donna Smith (married to Bruce Smith), Marcia Leyba (married to Joe Leyba), Annamarie Fidel-Rice (married to Ralph Rice), Mary Lee Wallick (married to Scott Wallick) and one son, Mark Fidel (married to Carol Smith Fidel). She leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Raymond, Elizabeth, Michael, Anna, Melissa, Joseph, Christine, Cynthia, Latife, Samuel and Josiah; and eight great-grandchildren: Jasmine, Matthew, Emma, Ella, Blake, Rork, Oliver, and Freya. 

Dora often worked with her father, Gene, in the bakery he owned in Grants. Dora graduated from Grants High School. She married Joe at age 19 and their family grew quickly. She was an avid tennis player, golfer and really loved to play bridge with her friends. As Joe’s business career gave way to his political career, Dora supported him and ran their household like an army sergeant. She could make tortillas and enchiladas just as well as she could make a variety of Lebanese foods, to honor Joe’s heritage and make nice with Joe’s family.

They were fortunate to be able to travel across the country and to many overseas destinations in their married life. Dora and Joe lived full lives. She missed him so very much and we are happy that they are together again.

The family extends special thanks to Cecilia Farley for her loving companionship and compassionate care to both Dora and Joe over the years. 

Dora was able to remain in her home because of the wonderful care Trusted Ally Home Care provided her. Her care team included: Lisa Mitchell, LPN, Janelle Castillo, RN, Cindy Edwards, HHA, Angel Ortiz, HHA, Brenda Lewis, HHA, Debbie Jaramillo, HHA, Roxann Garza, HHA, Monique Pena, HHA, Jeannette Esidro, HHA, Julie Scott, HHA, Jolena James, HHA. 

Dora’s hospice care was provided by Compassus Hospice Care. We are grateful for their professionalism and compassionate care. 

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in Dora’s name to either the St. Teresa of Avila School in Grants, NM (PO Box 729 Grants, NM 87020) or the St. Joseph Mission School in San Fidel, NM (PO Box 370/ 26 School Rd., San Fidel, NM 87049). 

Family will hold a Private Service for Dora.