Lucille Gloria Maldonado

Lucille "Shelia" Gloria Maldonado, 73, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, was called to her eternal resting place on April 5, 2022.  She entered this world on Sunday, November 7, 1948 in Albuquerque, NM, born to Atanacio and Natividad Maldonado.  Lucille is survived by her daughter, Deborah Maldonado and her partner, Roger Apodaca; sisters and brothers, Rosalie Hernandez, Arturo “Sonny” Maldonado and his partner, Patricia, Atanacio “Tato” Maldonado and his partner, Roxanne, Stanley “Stan” Maldonado and his partner, Sandra, Bernadette Solis and her husband, Leonard Solis, and Marian DiFiore; grandson, Fernando Apodaca; and many nieces and nephews.

Lucille is preceded in death by her father, Atanacio Maldonado, mother, Natividad Maldonado, sister, Frances Sandoval, and brother, Anthony Maldonado.

Lucille worked and retired from the City of Albuquerque.  She held positions in several departments and held the elite job position of Research Specialist. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing board games, destroying the competition at bible trivia, going to movies, singing, and eating out with her friends.  In her younger years, Lucille loved bowling, playing softball, dancing, and traveling.

Lucille grew up in Albuquerque, NM and was raised with eight siblings in a tiny 3 bedroom house.  She graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1966.  She moved to California in 1968 and lived there for 2 years.  She came back to New Mexico and not long after, gave birth to her only daughter, Deborah.  She lived in New Mexico for the rest of her life, raising her daughter as a single mom, and living life to its fullest.  She met the love of her life, Tony Archuleta, and they spent many happy years together.  Lucille loved animals especially her fur baby, Missy.  She helped care for her mother as she aged and was always ready to help out family when needed.  She loved spending hours outside beautifying her yard, keeping it immaculate.

Lucille was soft-spoken with a quick wit.  She was extremely competitive with a ferocious desire to always be right (even when she knew she was wrong).  She tended to yell when she was excited and she relished in correcting people.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, neighbor, and friend.  She will be remembered for her smile, kindness, loyalty, love for food, and her faith.

Her celebration of life service will be held on April 12, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at French Funerals and Cremations-University.