Charlotte (Nieto) Maldonado

Surrounded by her family and their love, Charlotte Nieto Maldonado (77) peacefully died April 30, 2022, in Albuquerque.  She is survived by her husband David Maldonado Jr., two sons Carlos Maldonado (wife Luz of San Diego, CA,) and David Maldonado III (wife Kecia of Colleyville, TX,) two granddaughters Maya Carrillo (husband Eric of Colleyville, TX,) and Rayna Roy (husband Josh of Denton, TX) and three great grandchildren Evelyn Collier, Alina Carrillo, Elias Roy, and Maeve Carrillo. Five sisters: Shirley Espinoza, Pauline Gonzalez, Jeanne Nieto, Margaret Shogry, and Sylvia Salazar and four brothers: Daniel, Arthur, Jimmy, and Gilbert.  Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents Rev. Simon and Natalia Nieto, her brothers Leo, Johnny, and Donald, and her sister Betty.

Charlotte was born in Brownsville, TX (1945) and grew up in Albuquerque, graduating from Rio Grande High School.  She graduated from both Southern Methodist University and Texas Womens University resulting in a long career as an educator in Texas and California.  She married David Maldonado Jr. in El Paso 57 years ago, and the two shared an incredible life journey together.  Charlotte and David retired in Albuquerque in 2008.  She traveled the world, loved the mountains, working in her yard, and reading New Mexican history.  Most of all, she loved her family, especially her great grandchildren “Evita”, Alina, Elias, and Maeve. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren know her as Maca, and Maca loved them with all of her heart.

Charlotte led a life of example in her dedication to standing up for her beliefs, her unwavering love for her husband and family, and her joyous sense of humor. She spent her life loving us, and we cherish every memory we have of her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday June 4 at 10:30 am at El Buen Samaritano Methodist Church. Pastor Jon Kuncel is officiating.   Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may wish to make donations to the “Charlotte Nieto Maldonado Courtyard Fund” at El Buen Samaritano Methodist Church.