Mary Joyce Fidel

Mary Joyce Fidel a Christian, mother of two, beloved sister, teacher and friend to many died September 3, 2018 in her home. She was preceded by her husband Elias A Fidel, and son Michael John and her two brothers, Rudolfo and Gilbert Arellano. She is survived by her son Marcus James and wife Michelle, her grandson; Christian Mitchell, as well as her four sisters; Lydia Lorraine Armendariz, Naomi Florence Whistler, Maria Oralia Moore and Rosita Wikstad (Hank) and many nieces, nephews and cousins plus other relatives and friends. She was born on January 7, 1936 in Chamisal, New Mexico the fourth of seven children to Agustin Arellano and Elisia Lopez. She graduated from Menaul High School in Albuquerque and got her Bachelor of Science as well as her teaching credential from the University of New Mexico. She returned to her beloved Northern New Mexico to teach there where she met and married Elias Fidel. Her sons were born and grew up there. She worked at the Penasco Schools until she retired. After retirement she was a very active volunteer in many different capacities. She was always active in her church and ready to help anyone who needed it. She helped many children who were behind in reading, writing and math and taught some adults how to read. She was also a docent in museums in Taos and Santa Fe. Joyce is no longer with us, but will live in our hearts forever. We will surely miss her gentle spirit and generous ways. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 10:00 AM at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Penasco, NM. Interment will take place at 3:00 PM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. The Fidel Family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the Rivera Family Funeral Home and Crematory of Espanola, NM.