Nellie Gurule Salas

Nellie Gurule Salas, 98, passed peacefully from life into eternal glory held in the arms of her devoted daughter April 30. 2025. Nellie was a faithful wife, devoted mother, much-loved aunt, godmother, teacher and friend. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-six years, an infant daughter, her parents, and eleven siblings. She leaves behind a daughter and much-loved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Coupled with her deep unshakeable Catholic faith and allegiance to family, Nellie's passions were art, music, sports, and politics. She was known for her joy, zest for life, and eye for fashion. Nellie received her bachelor's degree from the University of Albuquerque with a major in education and a minor in art. Her teaching career began at Holy Ghost Catholic School where she also taught music for the Latin school Mass. She was recruited by the Albuquerque Public School system and subsequently retired from APS. Upon returning to Albuquerque from northern California, Nellie substituted for APS.

Nellie lived with her husband in northern California for many years. Two of her favorite events were the annual Pumpkin Festival held at Half Moon Bay, CA and the miracle of the "Swallows" returning to the Mission of San Juan Capistrano on the feast of St. Joseph. She also enjoyed touring with her family the Missions in the Napa Valley.

Nellie looked forward to the annual family trips to Las Vegas, NV and to the various Colorado ski resorts which included Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen and Steamboat Springs. She loved international travel and made several religious pilgrimages that included stops in Rome, Assisi, Spain and Medjugorje, to name a few.

Nellie was a huge sports enthusiast; she especially enjoyed watching golf, basketball and football. She never missed a Lobos' basketball game on TV, or radio. For many years, Nellie and her husband attended, compliments of their daughter who worked and lived in Denver, CO for over 30 years, the Denver Broncos' annual home season opener's games. Nellie kept current on national, local and world news, and was very astute at debating political issues.

Nellie was a member of the "Blue Army," (a national Catholic organization honoring the Mother of God) as well as a member of the Holy Ghost Parish prayer group, the Padre Pio Prayer group, and the choir. She was a long-time parishioner at Holy Ghost Parish where she and her husband were among the original founders. Nellie's unshakeable Catholic faith sustained her throughout the trials of life. She was a prayerful, loving, and forgiving person who never missed praying daily the Holy Rosary and Mass on EWTN Global Catholic Network. Her sufferings and prayers she offered for family members, both alive and deceased.

Nellie's greatest source of pride and joy was her family. Her unconditional selfless love for her husband and daughter was the golden thread woven into her faith-filled home which was filled with indisputable love of God, family, and country.

Nellie will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please make a contribution to your favorite charity.

Services will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 927 Arizona St. SE. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.