For generations, El Pueblito Cemetery has stood as one of Questa’s most sacred places, a quiet resting place where families gather to honor loved ones, remember community history, and pay tribute to veterans who served their country with honor.
Following the permanent closure of the Questa Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, responsibility for the cemetery property was returned to the U.S. Forest Service.
Maria Gonzalez, Executive Director of Vida del Norte Coalition and wife of veteran Jason Gonzalez, has stepped forward to lead the management and care of El Pueblito Cemetery through the nonprofit organization.
“For me, it came down to doing what was right for our community,” Gonzalez said. “El Pueblito Cemetery is such an important part of Questa’s history, and it deserves consistent care and stewardship. My own father is buried there, so this isn’t just another project, it’s deeply personal. Like so many families here, I visit loved ones there, and I know how much it means to have a place that is cared for with dignity and respect.”
“Over the years, I had shared ideas with Jason about ways the cemetery could be better maintained, and it gradually became clear that a local organization with strong community roots was in the best position to ensure it would be cared for generations to come.”
The transition represents more than a change in management. It reflects a commitment to preserving an important piece of Questa’s heritage while ensuring that families continue to have a peaceful and dignified place to remember those who came before them.
“Taking on this responsibility is both an honor and a commitment that I don’t take lightly,” Gonzalez said. “El Pueblito Cemetery is the final resting place of generations of Questeños, including many veterans who made tremendous sacrifices for our country. My husband, Jason, is a veteran himself, so honoring those who served has always been especially meaningful to our family.”
Through Vida del Norte Coalition, Gonzalez hopes to build a model of long-term stewardship that honors both the cemetery’s historical significance and the families who rely on it.
“This responsibility is about much more than mowing grass or repairing fences,” she said. “It’s about preserving our community’s history, honoring those who came before us, and ensuring that every family has a peaceful, beautiful place to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. We owe that to those who rest there today, and to the generations who will visit for years to come.”
Families needing to schedule an interment or arrange cemetery services may contact Maria Gonzalez at (575) 779-2260.