Ophelia S. Rinaldi

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Ophelia Rinaldi age 84, passed away on October, 18, 2017 surrounded by her family. Born March 26, 1933 to parents, Fred and Ofelia Sandoval.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Alex Rinaldi; sisters, Mary Louise Lucero and Sylvia Gale; brothers, Benny and Rupert Sandoval. She is survived by her brother, Fred Sandoval; and sister, Josephine Sprigg; her children, Marc and Evelyn, Nick, Gino, and Michelle Rinaldi. She had 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was especially close to her niece, Rebecca Clay; and nephew, Fred Gale.

Ophelia graduated from the University of NM and received a BS and a Master’s in Social Work from Denver University. She worked most of her career providing services and advocating for seniors and Veterans. She retired from the VA Hospital in Albuquerque. She had a passion for advocating for the rights of Older Adults and Women. She was a founding member of the National Hispanic Council on Aging, and inducted into the AARP New Mexico Hall of Fame and New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department for her volunteer advocacy work on behalf of New Mexico seniors.

Ophelia enjoyed her many grandchildren, her garden, and someone else’s yard sales. She also loved researching and documenting her family genealogy.

Rosary will be held Friday, November 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Bernalillo. Interment will take place Our Lady of Sorrows Church Cemetery in Bernalillo. Reception will follow at the church social center. At Mom’s wishes, please send donation to OLOS Church, St. Vincent de Paul, in lieu of flowers. A heartfelt thank you to all the folks at the Sandoval County Senior Program and the UNM Medical Center for their love and care and French Funerals & Cremations. Please visit our online guestbook for Ophelia at www.frenchfunerals.com