Cindy Darlene Tafoya

Cindy Darlene Tafoya

May 3, 1960 – November 17, 2023

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our sweet and beloved Cindy after losing her long and courageous battle with brain cancer on November 17, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.

Cindy graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1978.  While in high school, Cindy achieved numerous Blue Ribbon awards in the state high school agricultural competition.  She then went on to pursue her passion for landscape architectural design in parts of Europe, (most notably Finland), on a DECCA scholarship.  After returning home, she went on to achieve a bachelor of arts degree at Texas Tech University where she graduated with honors.  Cindy eventually opened her own landscape design company, (Santa Fe Landscape Design), where she created beautiful gardens and landscapes for numerous residents and businesses.  We will continue to enjoy her lovely designs throughout Santa Fe which will remind us of her.  It is important to note that prior to opening up her own business, Cindy was instrumental in assisting her husband Glenn open up his own successful business, Pack, Ship & Mail.

Cindy had a heart of gold and loved all the beautiful gifts God has bestowed on us.  Just like St. Francis of Assisi, she had a special bond with all animals.  She also loved camping, outdoor activities, cooking and she made the best red chile posole.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Eppie Velasquez, her in-laws, Tony and Maude Tafoya, brother in-law Jim Anthony Tafoya, special aunt and uncle, Ida and Albin Vigil, nephews Paul and Jerome Romero and nephews, Mark and Paul Saiz.

Cindy is survived by her devoted husband and primary caregiver, Glenn Tafoya, son Justin Tafoya (Nicole), grandchildren, Lucas and Mia Tafoya, mother Cleo Velasquez, sister Yvonne Reins (Holger), brother George Velasquez (Angela), uncle Florencio Velasquez, uncle and aunt Damian and Joanne Velasquez, brother in-law and sister in-law, Mike and Judy Lujan, and brothers in-law Jack and Rodney Tafoya, along with many other relatives and friends.  We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all the relatives, friends, doctors and especially the nursing staff of Compasus Hospice Care. A special thank you to Dr. Teague, Angela Gomez, Alberta Pena and Angela Menendez for their excellent care.

A rosary will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 10:00 am followed by a mass of Christian burial.  Interment will then follow at Rosario Cemetery.  A reception/celebration of Cindy’s life will follow the interment service at the Elks Lodge. 

Pall Bearers:  Dave Sena, Jack Barela, Mike Lujan, Holger Reins, Andy Villanueva, Steve Gonzales, Florito Velasquez

Honorary Pall Bearers:  Karen Copeland, Liana Velasquez, Frank Manlove, Angela Gomez, Armando Tafoya, Judy Lujan, Rodney Tafoya and Jack Tafoya