Maria Vigil

Mary “Eddie Laura” Vigil (née Valdez), age 84, from Albuquerque, NM passed away on February 1, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Vigil, and is survived by daughter, Cindy Vigil and son-in-law Rick Tiedman (Abq, NM); son, Bill Vigil and daughter-in-law, Tonita (Abq, NM); daughter, Laureen Vigil and son-in-law, Jim Diekhoff (Nashville, TN); daughter, Annette Vigil and son-in-law, Timothy Diel (Tempe, AZ); grandchildren, Jennifer Best, Kayla Vigil, and Amber Vigil; great-granddaughter, Allison Stevens; sisters, Consuelo Carrillo, Vera Pacheco; brother, Pablo Valdez; special companion of many years, Eddie Villalobos; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mary, a leap-day baby, was born in Santa Fe, NM, on February 29, 1936. When she was ten years old, she moved to Albuquerque to live with her sister, Isabelle and brother-in-law, Tony Barela. She graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in 1954, then married her high school sweetheart, Billy Vigil on September 13, 1954. After raising her four children, she worked for the Albuquerque Public School System until her retirement.

Mary was a devoted Catholic and was active in the Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church.  Mary loved to dance, and socialize with friends and relatives.  She enjoyed many activities through the years, including playing poker with friends, sewing, quilting, and taking her morning walks. She was also not averse to the occasional casino visit. She was famous for her hot red chile.  She loved music, and especially loved to have the song “Las Mañanitas” sung on her birthday.  She will be greatly missed by her family and the many friends she made throughout the years.

Due to COVID precautions a memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.

Donations can be made to the Steelbridge Ministries, formerly known as the Albuquerque Rescue Mission.