Eliza M. Fernandez

Eliza Maria Fernandez

January 5, 1937 – June 28, 2023

On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Eliza Maria Fernandez, 86, of Santa Fe, NM went peacefully by God’s will while surrounded by her husband, sons, daughters, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  

Eliza was born on January 5, 1937, in Costilla, New Mexico to Jose E. and Sinforosa C. Vigil. After finishing high school Eliza moved to Santa Fe where she was employed in New Mexico State Government and other private employment. In 1959 Eliza met Robert, her future husband. After two years of courting Robert saw in Eliza a person of respect, friendship, and beauty. Robert and Eliza were married on October 21, 1961, by the Catholic Church. In the 61 years of a blissful marriage six sons and two daughters were born. Eliza was a very loving and caring mother. She taught religion classes for her own and neighborhood children.  As a mother, she would take sons and daughters to deliver the morning paper, to school and to church services. Eliza sang with the St. John the Baptist church choir. Eliza had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and Padre Pio.  

Eliza is preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Luis and Petrita Fernandez; son, Eugene; siblings: Fares Vigil (Ennie), Felix Vigil (Cecilia), Floyd Vigil, Gustavo Vigil, Paul Vigil, and Bertha Vigil (Felix); brothers and sisters-in-law: Reynold Gaillour, Frank Hernandez, Marina Cordova (Joe), Louis Fernandez (Julia), Alice Garcia (Eliseo), Bonifacio Fernandez (Margie), Agapita Jeantete (Gabriel), Gustavo Fernandez (Teodora), Margaret Fernandez, Fabiola Lucero (Ben), and Irene Trujillo (Eloy).  

She is survived by her husband, Robert; children: Gregory (Myra), Vincent, Kenneth (Jessica), Agnes (Frank), Edwin (Patricia), Fernando (Elizabeth), Lucia, and daughter-in-law Carla; grandchildren: Steven, Stefanie (Alec), Christine (Nathan ), Christopher (Halie), Matias, Mario, Anthony (Angel), Amanda (Raymond), Raquel (Andrea), Alessandra, Mikayla, Anelisa, Carlo (Veronica), Emily (Sean), Benji (Britney), Dominic, Marcus, Julie, and Zachary (Jenny); great-grandchildren: Abran, Sydnee, Urijah, Avry, Chloe, Lila, Ellyce, Aubrey, Arianna, Aaron, Dylan, Caleb, Raya, Noah, Heidi, and Jordan; siblings: Priscilla Hernandez, Victoria Gaillour, Dennis Vigil (Henrietta), MaryLou Spear (David), and Arthur Vigil (Darlene); sisters-in-law: Beatrice Vigil and Cecilia Martinez. As well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many other relatives and friends.  

A very special thank you to the staff at Del Corazon Hospice, and special caregivers Griselda and Diana for the care and kindness shown to Eliza and her family.  

Memorial services are as follows:   

Rosary - Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 6pm at Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations; 417 East Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505.  

Rosary and Funeral Mass – Friday July 28, 2023, at 10 am and mass at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; 1301 Osage Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87505 with burial to follow at Rosario Cemetery; 499 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.   

Pallbearers; Steven Fernandez, Matias Fernandez, Anthony Sena, Alessandra Fernandez, Carlo Fernandez, and Benji Lucero, Jr.