Estella Wallace Mares
Estella J. Mares (Wallace), age 99, a beloved Tia (aunt) passed away on 4-122018, just two months before her 100th birthday. She was born in Dawson, NM, a coal mining town, on 6-231918. She was a graduate of Cimarron High School, class of 1936. Estella was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ernest Mares; her parents, Antonio and Onesifora (Trujillo) Wallace; siblings, Lucy Padilla, Vera Valdez, Alice Padilla, Frank Wallace and Ledora Fajardo. Estella was the eldest child of Antonio and Onesifora Wallace. She leaves behind one sibling, Alex Trujillo of Hemet, California and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was a coal miner’s daughter and survived the Great Depression of 1929-1933 and the Dust Bowl of 1931-1935. She was a dedicated New Mexican and American who loved red and green chile, grandma gravy, chocolate, voting and dancing with her husband Ernie. She was the family matriarch and a loving Tia. Estella led the family with dignity, respect and grace. Her love and commitment to her husband Ernest and her family was unwavering. She was a devoted Catholic and believer in Jesus Christ, God and the Holy Spirit. She prayed daily and until her last moment. Estella passed away with tremendous strength and courage. Her family was deeply blessed by her presence for so many years. Estella will be missed and loved by her family and friends. God touched Estella with his light and mercy and she transcended these characteristics to help others. She was a unique and rare love.
Estella was a volunteer at the old St. Joseph Hospital for many years in the gift shop after working a 40 year career with the Shufflebarger Family of the Albuquerque Country Club neighborhood. Estella’s family would like to express their appreciation to Donna and staff at Aspen Care for their care and nurturance of Estella during the last years of her life.
Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Daniels Family Funeral Services, Carlisle Chapel, 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Visitation will be for family from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm and general public visitation from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of Heaven Parish, 5311 Phoenix Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 on Friday April 20, 2018 at 10 am. Reception will follow after the Mass from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm at the home of Celeste Medina at 1603 Arcadian Trail NW 87107. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday April 23, 2018 at 9:45 am. Pallbearers will be Gilbert Valdez, Raul Candelaria, Javier Candelaria, Sebastian Armijo, Anthony Montoya and Joe Romo. The honorary pallbearers will be Gerald Fajardo, Jonathan Weber, Eddie Bernal, David Padilla, Juan Candelaria and David Romo.