Enriqueta Portillo

Enriqueta Portillo was known affectionately as Keta, Nana, and Ketita to those blessed to share her full life of 92 years. Born in El Paso, Texas to Martin and Celmira Rodarte, she was the second of three beautiful sisters. She loved her sisters, Chimmy and Caro, and was proud of her parents, a successful construction contractor and businesswoman respectively. Keta emulated her parents' strong work ethic. She was the first in her family to attend college and broke ground as a woman earning a business degree at Texas Western College.It was then that Keta met Raul (Ruly) Portillo, the love of her life.

Keta and Ruly wed on December 11, 1954, in El Paso where they raised four children - Charlotte, Raoul, Martin, and Gabriel. Also in El Paso, Keta started her career as an elementary school teacher at Zavala Elementary, where she fell in love with teaching. A devoted Catholic, Keta supported St. Patrick's community where she taught, and her children attended elementary school. She also supported Cathedral High and Loretto Academy. From the beginning, the Portillo house was filled with the music that Keta loved, ranging from opera to traditional Mexican to contemporary and torch singers.

In 1975, the family moved to Albuquerque, where they thrived. Keta and Ruly built a beautiful home that they loved and were blessed to live in for the remainder of their days. As members of Church of the Risen Savior they loved singing in the Spanish mass choir. They avidly supported St. Pius, where their boys played football. Through the school's booster club they made lifelong friends with other St. Pius families and staff, just as they did with choir members and their neighbors on Chaco Road.

In Albuquerque, Keta rediscovered her true calling: education. She taught English as a second language (ESL) until well-past retirement age. Keta had a gift with children, her students and grandchildren alike. The latter were often treated to making biscochitos and sopa de fideo with Nana in her beloved and well-trafficked kitchen! And her boys' hungry friends enjoyed visiting that kitchen for Keta's renowned flautas.

Nana took pride in the accomplishments of her husband, children, and grandchildren and in her cultural heritage. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures: holding hands and dancing with Ruly; "maggies" at Garduno's; dinner at Trombino's; the fragrance of gardenias; her Ruly's carefully tended roses; UNM sports; and the southwestern art which she displayed in her beloved patio. She always took care in her appearance. Recently, she welcomed a special team of caregivers to her home who became part of her extended family, treating her like "la reina" that she was.

Keta is survived by her children and their spouses, Fernando, Christine, Sharon, and Janice; her cherished 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; her sister Chimmy and sisters-in-law Lupita and Irma; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and lifelong friends. And while Nana may be gone she will never be forgotten. Her enduring faith, lasting friendships, and unbreakable bond of family live on in her children, their families, and her friends. Te amamos, Nana.