d. Apr. 5, 2026
Dora Brito, 86, a resident of Questa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 5, 2026. She was born in Questa, NM and at the age of 2 she went to live in Colorado with her mom’s sister, Emma Martinez and spouse Frank who raised her. About 11 years later Emma passed away and Dora returned to Questa with her mom, Eliza, stepdad, Aurelio, and her siblings. Dora was a nurse, worked at the Taos County Treasurer’s Office, and was a stay-at-home spouse/homemaker. She remained in Questa with her husband, Arsenio “Archie”, where they raised their children and taught their grandchildren and great grandchildren about gardening and preserving food, irrigating, and yard work. Dora will be remembered for her hard work on her yard, her wittiness, her love for the Lord, and proof that “dynamite” comes in small packages.
Dora is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Arsenio “Archie” Brito, paternal father Herman Garcia, maternal mother Eliza Garcia Maestas and step dad Aurelio Maestas, sons Arsenio & Wayne Brito, great-grandson Enrique Salazar, and several siblings.
Dora is survived by her daughter, Connie Romero (Deacon Jerome), adopted children Roberto Brito (Alyssa), and Anjéla Martinez (James), daughter-in-law Gloria Brito, sister Lillian (Roger) Ortega, brother Roger Maestas, grandchildren Christine Rivera (Justin), Adrian Brito (Candice), and Erica Trujillo (Gary), great grand children Jerome Salazar-Romero, Aliyah Salazar-Romero, Joseph Salazar-Romero, Damian Rivera, Jenae Rivera, Estrella Brito, James “Santiago” Martinez III, Amayah Brito and Ismael Trujillo, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A special “Thank You” to the Anvoi hospice nurses Kendra, Beverly, Julie, nurse assistant Kevin, Dr. Edmonds, and Chaplain Mark for their guidance, support, and care they provided to Dora’s family and Dora during her final weeks.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jerome Salazar-Romero, Aliyah Salazar-Romero, Joseph Salazar-Romero, James “Santiago” Martinez III, Estrella Brito, Leroy Ortega, Gordon and Jan Wesley, Martin “Marty” Martinez, and Teresa Vargas.
Rosary was recited on Thursday Apr. 23, 2026 in the Evergreen Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. Funeral mass was on Fri. Apr. 24, 2026 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa, burial followed at the San Pedro Cemetery.
