Ophelia S. Rinaldi

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Ophelia Rinaldi age 84, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 surrounded by her family.

She was born March 26, 1933 in Las Cruces, NM to parents, Fred and Ofelia Sandoval. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Alex (Hacky) Rinaldi; sisters, Mary Louise Lucero and Sylvia Gale; brothers, Benny and Rupert Sandoval.  She is survived by her brother, Fred Sandoval; and sister, Josephine Sprigg; her children, Marc and Evelyn Rinaldi, Nick Rinaldi, Gino Rinaldi and Michelle Rinaldi and partner, Anna Atencio.  She had 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.  She was especially close to her niece, Rebecca Clay; and nephew, Fred Gale.

She was blessed to have lived a full and adventuress life and made so many friends and touched so many.

Ophelia graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows High School in Bernalillo. She attended the University of NM and received a BS and received her Master’s in Social Work from Denver University.  She worked most of her career providing services and advocating for seniors, behavioral health and Veterans.  She retired from the VA Hospital in Albuquerque.  She had a passion for advocating for the rights of Older Adults and Women.  She was a founding member of the National Hispanic Council on Aging; and inducted into the AARP New Mexico Hall of Fame and New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department for her volunteer advocacy work on behalf of New Mexico seniors.

Ophelia enjoyed her many grandchildren, her garden, painting, and someone else’s yard sales.  She also loved researching and documenting her family genealogy.

Rosary will be held  Friday,  November 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.  at Our Lady of Sorrows Church   followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Bernalillo. Interment will take place Our Lady of Sorrows Church Cemetery in Bernalillo.  Reception will follow at the church social center.  At Mom’s wishes, please send a donation to OLOS Church, St. Vincent de Paul, in lieu of flowers.

A special thank you to all the folks at the Sandoval County Senior Program and the UNM Medical Center for their love and care and French Funerals & Cremations.