Nora Marie Santistevan

Nora Marie Santistevan, age 88, gained her angel wings on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at her home in Albuquerque, surrounded by her beloved children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother, and sister. Nora was born in Ranchos De Taos, NM, on August 4, 1933, to Reginio and Epifania Valerio. Nora married the love of her life, Santiago, on September 19, 1951. Together they had three beautiful children Alfredo "Bob", Larry and Shirley. Santiago's military service took the family to many military bases where she raised her children as a stay-at-home mom. After Santiago's retired from Military Service the family settled in Albuquerque. Nora enjoyed gardening with Santiago. Cooking and baking in the kitchen. Crocheting and making photo albums for family and friends. She treasured the times she was surrounded by those she loved especially her grandchildren. Nora never let you leave the house without being fed and/or a goodie bag in hand. She loved to shop and spoil her grandkids rotten. Nora's devotion and love for her family was fierce and admirable. She always spoke what was on her mind and in her heart. She was the matriarch of the family. Nora retired from Albuquerque Public Schools and served as the treasurer for Communications Workers of America for many years.

Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Santiago Alfredo Santistevan; son, Alfredo Robert Santistevan; grandsons, Christopher Santistevan and Kenny Trujillo; parents Reginio and Epifania Valerio; sisters, Lila Valerio, Adelina Vigil, Eduvigen Vargas, Viola Montoya, Beatrice Valerio, Theodora Montoya, brothers, Alex Valerio, Eliu Valerio, and Gilbert Valerio, mother-in-law, Carmelita Vigil-Santistevan. In her passing, Nora leaves behind her children, son, Larry Santistevan, wife, Marianne; daughter, Shirley Geller, husband, Jeff; Alfredo's wife, Diane Naranjo; granddaughter, Eliza Martinez, husband, Everett; grandsons, Allen Geller, wife, Celina; Brandon Geller, companion Carmen, and Patrick Santistevan; great-grandchildren, Ayesha (Lupe), Martin (Genesis), Lucia, and Noah; great-great-grandchildren, Kylie, Kayden, Kamerynn and Edahi; sisters, Cleofas Coca (Robert), Clara Mondragon (Art); brother, Chemo Valerio; sister in-law, Benita Martinez as well as her nieces, nephews, and many other relatives from the Valerio and Santistevan families that Nora loved and adored. Nora will also be missed by her faithful canine companion, Sophia. The family would like to thank Ruth Lopez and Tracy Graff (Presbyterian Hospice) for the care they provided to Nora. Rosary will be recited at Shrine of Saint Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM at 2:15 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022. Please visit our online guestbook for Nora at www.FrenchFunerals.com.