Dorella "Dora" Anaya

Dorella M. Anaya, 93, (Dora the Candy Lady) from Cuba, NM, was born September 13, 1932. Dora passed away peacefully at home in Albuquerque, NM. She took her last breath from this life and into the arms of our Lord on January 17, 2026, surrounded by her grandchildren, Felicia, Michael, Estrella, and other family members.

Dora was the heart of the family. She was known for her kindness, warmth, strength, and humor. Dora always made everyone feel welcomed and loved. She gave herself fully to caring and supporting those she loved.

She is survived by her daughters, Nea Vigil (Marty), Loretta Sanchez, and Liz (Jeanette) Montano; sons, Robert Anaya and Anthony (Alice) Anaya; grandchildren, Monica (Phil) Salaz, Kari (Jerome) Jenkins, Janelle (Juan) Castillo Montoya, Crystal Sanchez, Nathanael Sanchez, Melanie (Dominic) Garcia, Felicia (Jenn) Anaya, Micheal (Marissa) Moya, Estrella Anaya, Robert Anaya Jr., Fernando Anaya, Valerie Mincey, and Jesse Galvan; 20 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Dora had wonderful caretakers: Jenny Garcia, who was like a granddaughter as well. She cared for Grandma Dora many years. Manuel Lopez also cared for Dora and they became very close. He would call her Momma Dora. She is also survived by brothers, Marshall Montano, Johnny Montano, and Henry (Noelyn) Atencio; and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family members from North Carolina.

Dora was preceded in death by her mother, Carmelita Montano; sons, Neal Alkins and baby Charles Anaya; and sister, Mary Linda Synder.

Dorella also known as Dora the Candy Lady was always stocked with treats for the neighborhood kids. With their pennies in hand, they would see her pull out her basket of goodies.

Dora had a home day care and was called Grandma. She babysat countless kids over the years. She loved them all. Many of whom continued to visit her well into adulthood. Dora shared her wisdom freely and with an open mind and never judged. She would just listen and give advice if asked.

Dora loved to embroider pillowcases for family, friends or for anyone who liked her work. There is surely many of her pillowcases around Albuquerque and some shipped to family and friends in other states. She loved her word search books. Often saying it kept her mind sharp. Anyone who knew her understood how remarkable her memory was.

She loved to send out cards for all occasions or sometimes just to reach out and send her love. Dora looked forward to her nightly calls from her children and grandchildren that she received faithfully.

Dora was so deeply loved by family. Although Dorella's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May Dorella's memory be a blessing and her light will forever shine brightly in our hearts. Dorella had an unwavering faith in God and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Dorella was loved not only by family but by her community. She has been a long standing resident of Albuquerque for over 40+ years where she was known as the "candy lady." A place where kids and families would look forward to choosing from delicious options of snacks and beverages. This was so unique at the time, she loved kids as she worked daily for decades helping families raise their children, they all called her gram. Something she took great pride in. She also watched over all of her grandkids, they all looked forward to having sleepovers and enjoying time with her. She is one of a kind and will be missed tremendously. Despite having to overcome the loss of her husband, she stayed strong and resilient. Always there to support her her children and grandkids as she navigated life. What a blessing she was to us all.

Pallbearers will be Robert Anaya, Anthony Anaya, Castillo Montoya, Johnny Montano, Micheal Moya, and Robert Anaya, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Marshall Montano, Henry Atencio, Chris Montano, Manuel Lopez, Marty Vigil, Jerome Jenkins, Phil Salaz, Fernando Anaya, Adrian, Felicia Anaya, Jenn Gonzales, Estrella Anaya, Marissa Barela, Jenny Garcia, and Melanie Garcia.

A rosary will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a visitation to 8:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. A Prayer Service will be recited Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH-University. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.