Maria M Salazar

Maria M. Salazar (Maria das Merces Rocha de Salazar), age 86, went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2018. Maria was born August 10, 1932, in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores, Portugal. She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Savino Salazar; son, Victor Salazar; parents, Angelo Sousa and Elisa Rocha de Sousa; and sisters, Maria Elisa and Maria Palmira. She is survived by her brothers, Manuel and Mario Rocha de Sousa; and children, Robert A. Salazar, Elisa M. Salazar-MacKenzie (husband, Jim), and Mario P. Salazar; grandchildren, James Brandon MacKenzie, Ashley S. MacKenzie, Jonathan M. MacKenzie, Keiko C. Salazar, and Victoria D. Salazar; and many friends and family of the heart. Living on an island, Maria spoke of her day being daily swims, taking naps, and spending time with her grandmother.


Maria married U.S. Air Force military policeman Manuel Savino Salazar after a whirlwind romance on January 11, 1954. In 1955, Maria and Manuel left Angra de Heroismo for a life in the USA residing in Parkview, New Mexico where they lived on the Salazar farm with Manuel’s family. Soon after arriving in New Mexico, Maria and Manuel welcomed Robert into the world. Later they welcomed Victor in Henderson, Nevada. They moved to Albuquerque and welcomed Elisa and Mario. Maria settled in as the matriarch of her family and made a happy and loving home for them. Maria was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Maria’s love and focus were first and foremost of the Lord, family, and friends. Anyone who knew Maria also knew of her love for her cats and she is survived by her cat Missy who misses her dearly. Maria will be greatly missed by the many family and friends who knew her personally or through stories told of her.


A Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, September 13, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5311 Phoenix Ave. NE. Interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

FRENCH - Lomas

10500 Lomas Blvd. NE

(505) 275-3500

www.frenchfunerals.com