Claudia Melendrez-Rel

Claudia Melendrez-Rel of Albuquerque, New Mexico, peacefully entered eternal life on July 11, 2026 with her family by her side.

Claudia was born on January 6, 1954, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Beatriz and Sam Melendrez. The third oldest of eight children, Claudia's courageous spirit and generous heart made her a constant source of comfort, guidance, and encouragement to her siblings and extended family.

Claudia was educated in Las Cruces, attending Carl Conlee Elementary School, Lynn Junior High School, and Las Cruces High School, where she graduated in 1972. She went on to attend New Mexico State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1977.

Raised with a strong sense of responsibility, a heart for service, and an unwavering work ethic, Claudia was ambitious and self-motivated from an early age. As a teenager and throughout her college years, she held a variety of jobs, including working at the local movie theaters in Las Cruces, in the Grants and Contracts Office at New Mexico State University, and as a bank teller at the First National Bank. She worked diligently to finance her independence and education, demonstrating the motivation, high standards, and self-determination that would become hallmarks of her character.

Following her graduation from New Mexico State University, Claudia worked in the Business Office at Memorial General Hospital in Las Cruces, where her attention to detail and strong work ethic made her a valued leader of the Accounts Payable department. Claudia eventually decided to pursue new personal and professional opportunities and relocated to Albuquerque in the late 1980's.

After moving to Albuquerque, Claudia married the love of her life, Ed Rel, on April 8, 1989. The two first became friends while attending New Mexico State University and, years later, their friendship blossomed into a lasting love. Together they devoted themselves to raising Ed's daughter, Alexis, whom Claudia loved as her own. They built a life filled with love and shared countless happy memories of golf vacations, cooking together, watching movies, and family gatherings.

Claudia and Ed shared 36 wonderful years of marriage. In recent years, Claudia found great joy in her role as grandmother to Alexis's daughter, Aria Sagum, delighting in every opportunity to spend time playing with her. She was also deeply involved in the life of her beloved niece, Lela Martinez, and had a special affection for the many dogs she lovingly spoiled over the years.

Blessed with an eye for style and beauty, Claudia appreciated the finer details of life and approached everything she did with care and intention. She took great pleasure in shopping, took pride in dressing beautifully for every occasion, and enjoyed keeping up with the hair, makeup, and fashion trends of every stage of her life. In her home, she created a beautiful and welcoming environment-not simply for herself, but as a place of comfort, warmth, and hospitality for the family and friends she loved.

Family was at the heart of Claudia's life, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time with those she loved. She especially treasured the bonds she shared with her extended family and, on numerous occasions over the years, helped plan and organize the Miranda Family Reunion, a cherished gathering held every three years that brought generations together to celebrate their enduring family ties.

Another one of Claudia's greatest passions was the game of golf. Beyond her love of the sport, she generously gave her time in service to the Albuquerque golf community. She proudly served as Handicap Chairperson for the Ladera Ladies Golf Association and enjoyed many years as an active member and player with the Los Altos and Paradise Hills Ladies Golf Associations.

Claudia's sharp intellect, unwavering standards, and fierce devotion to those she loved defined who she was. A perfectionist in the best sense, she took pride in doing things well and encouraged others to reach their potential. She was a natural protector and an outspoken advocate, never hesitating to lend a hand to those in need. Her intelligence, compassion, and strength left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Whether through her creativity, impeccable sense of aesthetics, or thoughtful generosity, Claudia had a gift for making the people around her feel valued and at home. Her warmth, vibrant spirit, and enduring love for her family will be remembered always.

Claudia was preceded in death by her loving parents, Sam L. Melendrez and Beatriz Miranda Melendrez; her beloved niece, Lela Martinez; and the faithful four-legged companions who brought her so much joy throughout her adult life.

Those left to cherish Claudia's memory include her beloved husband, Eduardo V. Rel "Eddie"; her stepdaughter, Alexis Rel Sagum (Rico); and her granddaughter, Aria Sagum. She is also survived by her seven siblings: Samuel Patrick Melendrez (Nina), Imelda Veeder (Elmer), Michael Melendrez (Anna Forester), Faviola Martinez (Manuel), Mercedes McFerrin (Rick),Regina Melendrez, and Lydia Zerwekh (John).

Claudia is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will continue to honor her memory.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 31, 2026 at 2 p.m. at French Funerals and Cremations - Westside Chapel.