Gloria Atencio

Atencio, Gloria, M.

Gloria M. Atencio, age 69, a resident of Albuquerque, (since 1977), passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2022. A member of the Navajo Nation and raised in Thoreau, New Mexico, she is survived by her children Robyn and John Aguilar from San Felipe Pueblo, Shannon and Harry Romero from Albuquerque. Grandchildren: Theresa Atencio, Anthony Herrera, Chi Chi Romero, Peaches Romero, Johnathan Aguilar, Madison Aguilar; great- grandchildren, Hunter Herrera and Phillip Romero.  Godchildren, Cheryl Weahkee, Wayne Weahkee, Katie Weahkee and Joseph Romero Jr. Brothers Robin and Harvey Wood, brother-in-law Roger Weahkee, and numerous nephews, nieces and aunts.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Elmer Atencio, her mother Evelyn Mariano, and her mother-in-law Carnation Atencio.

Gloria was a beloved elementary school teacher, former sheep herder and a piñon picker. She was the only college graduate in her family. She began teaching when she was just a child, teaching older Navajo boys how to read and write.  She loved her grandchildren and devoted much of her time to them. Gloria always walked in beauty and brightened everyone's day.

Gloria was a devout Catholic. Services will be February 8th, 2022, with Deacon Dan Kennedy presiding at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 811 Guaymas Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.  A visitation at Our lady of Assumption Church will be from 9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on the same date. Reception will follow services at the French Funeral Home on 10500 Lomas Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87112. Gloria will be laid to rest at Thoreau Cemetery in Thoreau, NM.