Socorro (Vigil) Duran

Socorro Vigil Duran, born and baptized in Santa Fé, New Mexico on May 6, 1926 to Francisco and Josefina Vigil, died in her home on May 28, 2017 as her beloved children held her hand as she went to be with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Josefina Vigil; husband, John Frank Duran; brothers, Antonio Vigil, Raymond Romero, Cayetano Romero and Manuelito Romero; sisters, Mary Rainey and Pauline “Polly” Tomlinson;  and grandson, Ernest L. Duran, Jr.  She is survived by her children, John F. Duran Jr., Ernest L. Duran, Roberta Gabaldon and husband, Danny Gabaldon, and Tony Duran; sisters-in-law, Viola Garcia, Lucia Romero and Elvie Romero; grandchildren, Tomás Duran and Kim, David Duran, Bernadette Rivera and Joel, Danny Gabaldon Jr. and Dawnielle, Michael Gabaldon and Samantha; 19 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; nieces, Mary Lou Menier and Elizabeth Damerow; as well as many other nieces and nephews not to mention several cousins, friends, and neighbors.

She was raised by her father Francisco and later by the Sisters of Charity at St. Vincent’s Orphanage in Santa Fé.  Socorro then went to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Ray Rainey, in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. She travelled with them first to Richmond, California and finally settled in Wilmington, California during World War II.  Upon the conclusion of World War II, she relocated back to Santa Fé to live with extended family members.  She then met her future husband, John F. Duran, married in 1946 and relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1954 and were married for 64 years.  Socorro worked many jobs but her calling was as a homemaker and mother.  She raised her children, grandchildren and helped raise children from other family members and friends.  She was called grandma by many and was dearly loved by all and she loved them all just as much. Socorro was a founding parishioner of the Shrine of St. Bernadette and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society. She prayed daily and loved and cherished her catholic faith where she found comfort and consolation during tough times.  Socorro so enjoyed going to the movies as well as watching the classic movies whenever possible.  Her favorite movie was “The Wizard of Oz” and said that she went to see it with friends in Santa Rosa and didn’t leave the theater until after three showings. She loved hearing big band swing and mariachi music, and reading biographies of the Hollywood stars. She always said she would rather laugh than cry and was always a positive influence on everyone.  Socorro- mom, auntie, grandma and friend-

YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED