d. October 25, 2024
It is with the greatest of sorrows that we announce the passing of our mother, Gloria Vigil.
Gloria was born in Cerro, New Mexico, in the summer month of June when all the flowers and trees were in full bloom, in the year of 1940.
She lived 84 wonderful and eventful years. She had 8 children, 28 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. As God commanded, she was fruitful, and she filled the earth with 79 souls.
On October 25, 2024, as all her children were surrounding her bed in her home, she waved her final goodbye and walked through the pearly gates of heaven. There she was welcomed by her husband, Guadalupe Lopez, her sons Gabriel, Glenn, and Robert Santistevan; her grandson Daniel Morfin; her granddaughters Victoria Santistevan, Jackie Morfin, and Paula Romero-Santistevan, as well as her good friend Gilbert Santistevan. Also in attendance of her arrival to heaven were her parents, Alfonso and Getruditas Vigil, and her two brothers, Ben and Alfonso (Frito) Vigil.
On earth she left behind her remaining children, Cynthia Jo Santistevan (Frank), Vikki Sandoval (Dave), Bonnie Santistevan, Julie Segura (Joseph) and Eugene Martinez (Alyssa) and 71 grand and great-grandchildren. She also left behind six more siblings: Leo Vigil, Elfido Vigil, Barbara Olivarez, Ercilia Aken, Frank (Pancho) Vigil, and Gerti Vigil-Castaneda, a special nephew whom she always referred to as her son, Panchito Vigil, a special granddaughter in Mexico, Emma Herlo, and a self-appointed “Little Sister” Arlene Sanchez.
Our mother was a prayerful woman of deep faith. She was once the Sunday school teacher of her children, and she never went to bed without saying her goodnight prayers. She prayed for many people and was heard praying at any random time throughout the day, every single day. She was witty and had an amazing sense of humor. She studied psychology as she raised her children, living in the college dorm of Adam State College. She passed down the importance of a strong work ethic as she held many jobs, including working in the potato and spinach fields driving the big trucks. She was a professional seamstress working in various factories. She was a legal secretary for the Land Rights Council in San Luis and Alamosa, Colorado. She was a great baker, being known for her strawberry cheesecakes. She worked as a waitress and a cook until we begged her to quit working at the age of 74. Gloria was also known for her amazing artistic talents. She sewed, she crocheted and knitted, she did needlepoint, beading,
diamond painting, embroidery, she drew murals, and she was a lead singer in bands. She was an expert gardener of beautiful flowers and could name any kind of flower as if she were a skilled horticulturist. She loved to fish until she could no longer do so. She was most well known for the fact that she was an avid reader. She read a book every two to three days until the very last day of her life. She had a sharp mind and an intelligent brain to the very end.
Our family would like to offer our deepest appreciation for your kind and comforting words during this difficult time. May God bless you.
