Angela Tapia 1930 – 2020

Angela “Angie” Tapia, 89, passed away peacefully Sept. 15 in Albuquerque. Angie was married to Severo Tapia for 74 years, and is survived by their children, Anabelle Gallegos, Emily Freeby, Lydia Tapia, Johnny Tapia, J.R. Tapia, Maria Ricard and Pamela Gutierrez. She was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Julie Tapia; sons Leroy and Charles Tapia; 19 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 20 greatgreat grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Born in Romeoville to Isidoro and Maria Montoya on Dec. 7, 1930, Angie was a resident of Edgewood and Albuquerque for the past 12 years, but lived in Portales most of her life. A dedicated mother who raised nine children, Angie also worked tirelessly at the dairy farms, and during the 1970s and 80s as a short-order cook in Portales. A devout Catholic, Angie would pray the rosary multiple times a day in Spanish for her family’s well-being. Her favorite activities included singing and dancing, spending time with her family, and she was a regular casino and bingo-goer. The world was her friend and she could often be heard saying “that’s the truth, you better believe it.” A celebration of Angie’s life will be held Sept. 22 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church of Las Vegas, with viewing at 8 a.m., Rosary at 9 a.m., and Mass at 9:30, followed by interment at 11 a.m. at the San Jose Cemetery in Las Vegas. Services will be livestreamed on oloslasvegas.org or on Facebook: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church-las Vegas, NM. Arrangements were entrusted to Harris Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty.