Maria Colunia Segura-Metzgar
October 23, 1907 — October 18, 2017
The loving story of Maria Colunia Segura-Metzgar can only be complete with the words: religious, humble, elegant, supportive, opinionated, and wise. Known in the media as “New Mexico's Treasure,” Maria arrived peacefully at her home in the Lord's Kingdom, having completed her grand journey on Earth, on October 18, 2017 at the age of 109 years, 11 months, and 360 days. Maria's entire life was spent modeling the values with which she was raised—treating others with the love and dignity she found in the Gospels she so respected. Maria was born in Domingo, NM on October 23, 1907. Born to Fidela and Damian Sandoval, Maria was a coal-miner's daughter. True to her heritage, Maria later married a coal miner, her beloved Victor Segura, in 1925 in Madrid, NM, who passed away in 1948. Maria is also preceded in death by David Metzgar who she married in 1959. Also preceding Maria in death are her brothers, Leo, Manuel, Ramoncito, Refugio, and Orlando “Joe” Sandoval, along with sisters, Lena Garcia and Margaret Garcia. Maria is also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Frank Gutierrez, Jr., grandson, Carl Olona, and step-daughter, Lucy Bernstein. Maria is the matriarch to a devoted family who relied on her, especially her surviving children: Edwina Gutierrez, Dolores (Joe) Olona, David (Betty) Segura, and Tillie (Orrin) King. Maria is also survived by her step-children, Bernie (Mary) Metzgar, Joseph Metzgar, Carmen Nordsiek, and Viola Martinez. Surviving siblings include: Ramona Baca, Damian (Maria Luisa) Sandoval, Alice Gonzales, and sister-in-law, Rosa Sandoval. In addition, Maria has 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 57 great-great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-great-grandchildren.
Accomplishments: From riding in a covered wagon between Pena Blanca and Santa Fe, to riding in a jet to the Holy Land, Maria really made her way around the globe for a woman who never drove. Modest Maria made her international debut when her notoriety on Facebook became world news. Facebook had to change its settings to accommodate Maria's age. After trending on Yahoo's top ten list as #1, it was no wonder that Maria was later asked to be in the documentary Destressed. Local news was no stranger to Maria, and New Mexico loved to follow her birthdays and accomplishments. Maria was an original “New Mexico Treasure,” as she was born in New Mexico territory while it was still awaiting statehood after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Maria was hard worker who raised her family through the Great Depression. Much of Maria’s strength came from her Catholic faith, practicing her discipleship at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, to which she often walked. In her earlier days, Maria attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar Society. Maria’s favorite song was the Spanish Church hymn Bendito as she was fluently bilingual, a magnificent accomplishment for someone of her time.
Maria prided herself on an immaculate home and attributed the longevity of her life to her beans and tortillas. However, Maria took the most pride in her family, who she kept in line, always keeping abreast of her family’s relationships, dedication to church, work ethic, and health. Maria enjoyed attending familial and social functions, and in her later years, especially delighted in her Wednesdays with “The Girls.” Maria adored company and would entertain all her visitors with her quick wit and dichos. Maria kept her humor throughout her blessed life and sang until the end of her days.
Special thanks go to Maria’s caregivers Carol Sandel, Martita Gutierrez, and Karen Kelso, RN, and Indera Speis, HHA.
The family also acknowledges Maria’s trustworthy granddaughter Margaret Wenker, friends, neighbor Victor Duarte, Irene Valdez, Eucharistic minister, and Angel Espinosa for providing the music.
Rosary to be recited on Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, on 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW 87105, by great-granddaughters, Melanie (Misquez) Telles and Nicole (Misquez) Jaramillo.
Pallbearers will be Eloy Olona, Joseph Olona, Danny Sandel, Steve Segura, Victor Segura, and Jeffrey Wenker.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Graham Golden, O. Praem, on Maria’s 110th birthday, Monday, October 23, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the parish hall.