Menapace, Mary Ellen
The life of Mary Ellen Hazen MenapaceVigil came to a peaceful end in the early morning hours of August 22, 2016. She was born in a dugout outside of Mosquero, NM on November 28, 1918 and attended the Mosquero Schools. In 1936, she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class.
In 1941, she married John C. Menapace. They made their home in Mosquero and Roy, NM except for a brief period of time when she lived in Oakland, CA while he was serving in World War II. After John’s death in 1978, she married Leo A. Vigil in 1985.
Mary Ellen spent her life working in various office jobs, and in 2006, at the age of 88, while working as Deputy Clerk for the Village of Roy, she was elected as New Mexico’s Outstanding Older Worker. In addition to her many jobs, she was also active in community affairs throughout her life and served positions in Cub Scouts, 4-H, Roy Women’s Club, Roy Lion’s Club Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Order of the Eastern Star, to name a few.
A published poet, she wrote poetry for many special occasions in the community and family, and authored numerous skits and short stories. She was presented the Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry by the International Library of Poetry.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Catherine; her husband John; her son, John William "Rusty"; her second husband, Leo Vigil; her parents; four sisters; and two brothers.
She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Heiser of Albuquerque, six grandchildren, John W. Menapace II of Phoenix, AZ, Amber Munoz and husband Thomas of Midland, TX, Christopher Menapace and wife Jennifer of Houston, TX, Blake Menapace and wife Chelsea of Arlington, TX, Marina Sage and husband Patrick and Holly Briggs and husband Josh of Albuquerque. Also surviving are ten great-grandchildren, Michael Walker; Sebastian, Noah, and Findlay Sage; Cody, Emma, Zoey, and Mia Menapace; and Atticus and Scotland Briggs. Other survivors include one brother, Robin H. Hazen of Albuquerque; and numerous devoted nieces and nephews.
Rosary will be recited Thursday, August 25, 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH – Lomas. Friends may visit beginning at 4:00 p. m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 26, 2016, 10:00 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd. SE, in Rio Rancho. Interment will follow at Roy Cemetery in Roy, NM at 3:00 p.m.
If you wish to honor Mary Ellen and the legacy she passes on, the family requests donations be made to the Village of Roy Cemetery Improvement Board. Please visit our online guestbook for Mary Ellen at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
FRENCH – Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
(505) 275-3500