Cecilia A. (Archuleta) Padilla

On Thursday, October 24, 2019, Cecilia A. Padilla, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away at the age of 85.  She was predeceased by her husband, Joe U. Padilla.  Cecilia is survived by her children, Patrick Gene Padilla, Dolores Santanita (Padilla) Foster, Andrew Thomas Padilla, Ray Waldo Padilla and Edward David Padilla.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous additional family members and many friends.

In the last two weeks of her life, Cecilia experienced great joy holding Marli, her newest great-granddaughter.  Cecilia’s greatest joy in life was being with her “grand-babies” and grandchildren.  She had rallied in early October and felt well enough while with Baby Marli and her mother Mandi, Dolores and Melani, to laugh so hard that the adults cried.  Cecilia had a zest for seeking happiness and joy every day.  She would wish for everyone to feel joyful for her now and to share fun memories as they also grieve this major loss.

Cecilia (Archuleta) Padilla was born on September 30, 1934 in Regina, NM.  She was the 3rd-youngest of 9 brothers and sisters.  She was predeceased by brothers, Mike, Ben, Dan, Willy, Abenicio, and sister, Rayos.  She is survived by brother, Gene and twin sister, Mena.  Her parents, Necomedes and Santanita Archuleta loved each other dearly.  They taught their children the importance of faith, family, of loving and supporting each other.  They led by example and their home environment was gentle and peaceful.  It was through their guidance that Cecilia grew into a woman who was always kind and gentle with everyone.  She knew her work as a mother and grandmother was the best and most important job in the world.  She made sure that her family was cared for and happy.  Even at age 85, she always expressed her concern and offered help to anyone in need.  She always greeted others with a warm smile.  Cecilia instinctively checked her ego at the door in her relationships and was a good listener.  She had an uncanny ability to be present, to smile, to laugh and remain calm in the midst of a sea of chaotic children or chaotic adults for that matter.  There were numerous chaotic moments raising five children.  She was very wise.  She knew that the best way to guide and teach children is through gentle, loving connection.  She never frightened or punished a child - so they were always drawn to her and wanted to be their best.  Cecilia felt blessed to have 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.  She left a legacy of loving unconditionally and accepting everyone with an open heart and mind.  No matter how blended her family became over the years, she welcomed new in-laws as though they were her own children.

Cecilia enjoyed life at Rio Grande Retirement Community for almost six years.  She was adored by everyone.  Cecilia did not know how to swim.  However, she joined her Rio Grande friends on a fun river rafting trip in Taos at age 79.  She enjoyed having time for herself, loved her friends and the staff, played Bingo and bean-bag baseball with a vengeance, painted with watercolors, did craft work and beading and helped to prepare holiday decorations.  On one sunny day, a few of her friends at Rio Grande Retirement cheered her on as she put on a motorcycle helmet and went for a ride on her son Patrick’s Harley.  She dressed nicely, looked youthful and refused to let her hair go gray.  This caused Patrick (silver haired) to be asked more than once if Cecilia was his wife and to also be asked if he had moved in at Rio Grande Retirement!

You never went hungry around Cecilia.  She was going to make you a meal even if you were not hungry. Whoever stopped by was expected to stay and share that meal.  To her, food was love and love was food.  While her children were young, the family home was not air conditioned.  Cecilia cooked homemade tortillas on a hot skillet as beans and chile simmered nearby, raising the kitchen to 100 degrees at times.  Sweat ran down her forehead yet she kept a positive attitude and never complained.  She was grateful her family was cared for and would enjoy the meal soon.

Cecilia was famous for her tacos.  The sauce was to die for, hot and flavorful.  In college, Patrick would take friends home and Cecilia would ask what everyone wanted to eat.  The answer was always, “tacos!”  She would make as many as everyone could eat.  Robert Lobato, Patrick’s college friend of 47 years and adopted 5th son to Cecilia, continues to remark on how much he appreciated her homemade tacos.  As the years rolled by, friends would continue to ask Patrick, “How is your mom.....and is she still making those awesome tacos?”

It pleased Cecilia to make a positive difference in someone’s life.  If she were able to be here today, she would want everyone to know that she will always watch over them.  She touched our hearts, our souls, led us with quiet humility, wisdom and strength; and she leaves a great legacy.

Cecilia’s family is grateful to all who loved and cared for her.

Should friends desire, memorial remembrances and contributions may be made in any form, including to the charity of your choice.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, November 4, 2019, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Westside. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, 9:00 a.m., at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at 9502 4th St. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.