Maria Luisa Leyba

October 11, 1936- March 28, 2024

Maria (Mary)Luisa Leyba, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and pillar of the Santa Fe community, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 11, 1936, to Enrique and Juanita Trujillo in Casa Colorada, NM, Mary’s life was defined by her devotion to her faith, family, and community.Mary’s journey began in Belen, NM, where she attended elementary and high school before deciding to pursue business school in Albuquerque to remain close to her grandmother. It was in Santa Fe, however, where Mary’s life truly blossomed. Working at the State of New Mexico Land office, she met the love of her life, Bernabe Leyba, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage and four beautiful children.A dedicated wife and mother, Mary’s love knew no bounds. She poured her heart and soul into caring for her family, creating a warm and loving home where everyone felt welcomed. Mary’s culinary skills were legendary, and she will forever be remembered for her delicious tamales, tortillas, and chile dishes that brought joy to countless gatherings.In 1976, Mary and Bernie embarked on a new adventure, opening Santa Fe's original chile roasting business. For 45 years, they delighted the community with the irresistible aroma of roasted green chile and vibrant red chile ristras, leaving a forever mark on the neighborhood. Mary’s legacy lives on through her children, Frank (Monica), Marge (Jimmy), Becky (Richard), son-in-law Anthony Gallegos. 

Mary is preceded in death by her husband Bernabe Leyba, father Enrique Trujillo, mother, Juanita Trujillo, daughter, Ramona Gallegos, brothers Henry and Raymond Trujillo, and sister Lourdes Gutierrez. 

Mary is also survived by her grandchildren, Ricky and Samantha Leyba, Racquel and Isaac Trujillo, Johnathan Leyba, Reanna Benavidez, Tearance and Allyn Pacheco, Cameron and Brett Gallegos, Christopher and Daryl Sanchez, great grandchildren, Dezmond Pacheco, Angelina, Krystalina, Riley, Natalie and Abigail Leyba, Damian and Amor Sanchez, Melisendro Rael, Nicholas Riggs-Olivas, Rome Pacheco, Rafael Trujillo, sisters Perfie (Ray), Sofie Baca, Linda and Chester Moya, brother Johnny Trujillo,  brother-in-law Tony Leyba many loving nieces and nephews and her Las Soleras Senior living family that meant so much to her. 

A viewing and rosary will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the Rivera Kiva Chapel of Light followed by a rosary recitation and Mass on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 1:30 at Santa Maria de La Paz.

For a virtual service go to SMDLP.org and click on on-line mass at the time of mass. 

Mary’s life will be celebrated and remembered by all whose lives she touched and her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who loved her. In the words of Jesus, whom Mary faithfully followed, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." (John 11:25,26)