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Paula Roybal Sanchez

Paula Roybal Sanchez

10 enero, 1954 - 7 julio, 2021

Biografía


Paula Roybal Sánchez (67) passed away peacefully in her home with her husband and sons by her side on July 7, 2021. Paula was born on January 10, 1954 and was the eldest daughter of Pablo & Ruby Roybal.  She grew up on the Rancho Las Lagunas dairy farm in Nambé, NM where she returned after attending New Mexico State University to live and raise her family. 


Paula is survived by her Husband Gary; Sons: Andrés (Stephanie) and Diego (Vianey); Granddaughters: Devon, Eva & Liana; Siblings: Roberto, Ricardo (Judy), Santiago, Alfredo (Orlinda), Anna (Thom Price), and Paul (Mark); Godchildren: Camila Roybal McCollom, Alexis Wilson & Andrew Martin; Padrino: Isaudro Salazar, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She is also survived by her Inlaws: Eugene & Dolores Schiess.  She was preceded in death by her Grandparents: Alberto & Bernardita Salazar and Procopio & Tonita Roybal; Parents: Pablo & Ruby Roybal, Siblings: Alberto & Donaldo; Madrina: Mary Roybal.


Paula had a wonderful appreciation for life and the world around her.


Her greatest love in life was her family, especially her three granddaughters. She held a very special place in her heart for her entire family and took on the role of family matriarch with the passing of her mother, Ruby.  Paula led the effort of full time, in-home care for Ruby for nearly a decade when Ruby could no longer care for herself…this was one of Paula’s greatest life achievements.  She was married to the love of her life, Gary, who loyally stood with her for 44 years and never left her side.


Her Catholic faith was deep-rooted, helping her through life’s journey.  The fearless strength she demonstrated through her battle with cancer and the grace and peace with which she accepted the path laid before her was extraordinary.


Paula loved unconditionally and truly taught by example until the day she left this world.  She would quite often share quotes from her mother Ruby, Tia Mela Romero & Grandma Bernardita Salazar, always reminding her family of the ancestors and loved ones that came before us.  Paula passed-on their teachings and way-of-life with whoever was there to listen & learn. She believed strongly in preserving and passing-on tradition.


Paula’s parents instilled in her the value of education.  Following in her father’s footsteps, she served on the Pojoaque School Board for many years.  During her time on the school board, she would hand-write and address individual, personalized Christmas cards for each school employee, from the janitors to the Superintendent, because she genuinely appreciated their efforts and she wanted them to know that their work was valued and they were appreciated. Paula believed in giving back to the community.  Over the course of her career working for the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service and the 4-H organization, Paula served the people of Santa Fe and Los Alamos counties for over 30 years.  She worked for years supporting the American Diabetes Association, the Los Alamos Heart Council, and the Los Alamos Council on Cancer.  She and Gary taught an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Class together, sharing their personal experiences caring for Paula’s mother and educating people in caring for their loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease.  In 2010, Paula was promoted to a full College Professor in the NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences. Throughout her career she received numerous distinguished awards and recognitions, but she would tell you, without hesitation, that her greatest achievement in life was raising her two sons.


Paula made positive, life-long relationships everywhere she went.  Her friends were amazing during her battle with cancer, providing so much support and love.  She loved her friends very much.


She had many hobbies, but especially loved to sew and quilt, care for her beautiful plants and flowers, and cook…she was a remarkable cook and her homemade bread, cherry pies, and preserves were hard to beat. Paula sewed, quilted, and knitted several thoughtful, beautiful works of art for her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, even the homeless. She loved to feed and watch her hummingbirds, sometimes having 10 at a time at her feeder.  Paula cared for the earth and lived a life of conservation, especially conservation of water.


In lieu of flowers the family asks that you instead consider a donation in honor of Paula Roybal Sánchez. Paula asks that your donations go to one of the following three organizations that impacted her life:


  1. 4-H Youth and Family Development Fund through the NMSU Foundation: PO Box 3590, Las Cruces, NM 88003 or you may call (575) 646-1613 to make your donation

  2. Vincent Hospital Foundation - Paula requests that donations be applied specifically to the Palliative Care Fund and/or the Cancer Fund; 455 St. Michaels Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 or https://www.stvinfoundation.org/donate

  3. Nuestra Senora De Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque Church – Religious Education Fund:

9 Grazing Elk Drive, Santa Fe, NM  87506


Services Information: Holy Rosary and Funeral will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 9:00 AM at the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Church in Nambé, NM.  Parish restrictions require that ALL individuals, vaccinated or not, are required to wear a mask in all church facilities at all church events, including Rosaries & Funerals.

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Familia

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Nombre Paula Roybal Sanchez
Fecha de nacimiento 10 enero, 1954
Fecha de defunción 7 julio, 2021
Cementerio

Página conmemorativa

Cementerio
Casa funeraria Rivera Family Funeral Home
Dirección 417 Rodeo Road
Santa Fe NM 87505
United States

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Bernice Williams published a tribute .

Paula served on the Los Alamos Council on Cancer board with me and was always a kind, deliberate and thoughtful leader. I was grateful to have her working beside me. She picked out a gorgeous Mata Ortiz, Mexico pot to give me in recognition of my service when I decided to leave LACC. I was honored to know her. She will be missed.

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Maureen Reyer-Morley published a tribute .

I was one of the lucky 4-H members that had Paula as my 4-H agent. She mentored us and showed us such wisdom. She also tolerated a lot of our shenanigans at State Conference and many other gatherings. She was such a wonderful mentor and I remember her kindness always. Sending you all love and prayers. Many of the women we are today was because of who she was to us back then.

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Roger Roybal published a tribute .

Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory. I am unable to attend the services but my thoughts and prayers are with all of Paula's family. I am her fathers first cousin but never had the honor to know such a remarkable lady. My condolences to the family.

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Stephen Sanders publicó un comentario .

Blessing and Love To the Sanchez family.
Stephen and Fran Sanders

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The Finch Family published a tribute .

Our sincerest sympathies to Gary, Andrés, Diego, and all Paula’s family. We had the great pleasure of meeting Paula during her and Gary’s visit to Ireland and were immediately taken by her friendly, compassionate, and warm-hearted nature. May she rest in peace.

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La Familia Lucero/ramirez publicó un comentario .

Continued prayers for comfort and peace.

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Tita Summers published a tribute .

I had the opportunity to work with Paula while she volunteered with the Los Alamos Council on Cancer. She was very dedicated to this organization and she left a huge whole when she retired and stepped down as president from LACC. She encouraged me as I was learning what LACC’s work was about and helped me with my public speaking phobia. I will forever be grateful for her patience and encouragement. She was in my prayers as she was battling cancer and will continue to be as I know pray for the repose of her soul. Prayers of comfort and peace to her family. Rest In Peace, dear Paula.

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Ana Juarez published a tribute .

Mi mas sentido pesame a toda la familia descanse en paz paula nuestro cariño y oraciones con usted

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Del And Desaree Jimenez publicó un comentario .

We are so sorry to hear of Paula's passing. We considered Paula a friend for many years, although after she retired it was more challenging to get together. I worked with her professionally for many years, and she was top notch in everything she did. She was a valued co-worker and a mentor to me for many things. We will remember her contributions to our work on nutrition and diabetes for years to come. She faced the cancer and impending death with the courage that only few people can do. Paula is loved and cherished by so many, and I know what a wonderful wife and mother she has been to your family. Please accept our very sincerest and deepest sympathies for the loss of your wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend. etc. She will never be forgotten, but her memories will be cherished forever.

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Carolyn Barnett published a tribute .

My condolences to Gary and the boys and family. She was a joy to work with at the Santa Fe Cooperative Extension Office and later as a volunteer with 4-H work. We laughed so at the antics of our children when they were growing up. It was great to see her in later years as the family grew. You memories of her will always be with you and her spirit will guide you in the future. You will laugh and cry and wish you could talk to her in person, but remember what she taught you and you will get your answer.
You are in my prayers.
Carolyn Barnett & Family

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Paula And Neal Devitt published a tribute .

Dear Gary,
We are saddened by your loss.
Paula was a good friend. She was a blessing to our community.

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Cris & Sandra Velarde published a tribute .

Our condolences to the family. Paula was definitely a gem. As a employee of PVSD, I do remember those Personalized Christmas Cards. My first year I received it. I felt honored and appreciated just to received such a card. Her personality was warm and welcoming. I remember her visit to our house for Santa Clara Feast Day. She was so Thankful for being invited and couldn't believe the table of numerous dishes, wishes she could at least taste each one. To the Family, Thank you for sharing your, mother, with all of us. She surely will be missed. Please know that now she is in our Creator arms, resting and watching over all of you, with smiles knowing her tasks have been completed. When you missed her, listen to the wind, watch the shadows or look to the sky for her sign. May she now Rest in Peace.
Cris & Sandra Velarde, Santa Clara Pueblo

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Juanita Helena Salazar published a tribute .

What a talented and generous cousin I had. Living so far away NM most of my life, it is with regret that I hadn’t been able to know her better. My deepest sympathies to all of her loved ones.

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Carmen R Martinez published a tribute .

I’m so sorry to hear of Paula’s passing but I know she is no longer sick and is in the arms of her Lord and Savior! She was a very special friend to me for many years and I will miss her greatly! God Bless You for your loving care of her always!

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Geraldine Rivera Dirks published a tribute .

We have and will always keep Paula in our thoughts and prayers; after giving all to our Pojoaque Vally surrounding communities, may she now rest in her eternal glory! Rivera-Dirks family

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Joyce Trainor published a tribute .

So very sorry to hear of Paula 's passing. She was a wonderful friend and co worker who cared deeply for others and taught so much to so many. It was my very great privilege to have known her. My condolences

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Eileen M Chavez published a tribute .

So sorry to hear about Paula's passing. She was a very gracious lady and always had a friendly and welcoming smile on her face. My condolences to her family, and may her soul rest in peace.

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Robert L Gilliland publicó un comentario .

We send our sympathies to Gary, children and extended family. Paula was an outstanding 4-H and Family & Consumer Educator for NMSU. It was my privilege to work with her and always admired first of all her cheerful and positive attitude. She was an innovator who first suggested Job Sharing while I served as Director which was an excellent idea! Paula was an outstanding team member of one of the very best teams i had the good fortune to serve with in NM. Her outstanding service to youth and adults in Santa Fe and Los Alamos Counties will always be remembered as placing her among the best of the best it was my privilege to serve with during my Extension career. Gary supported her beautifully as did her parents who were stalwart Extension Supporters during my tenure in NM.
Truly saddened us to learn of her passing! Our Love, Bob & Mary Ann Gilliland

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Gloria Shuttles published a tribute .

My condolences to Paula’s family. She was a remarkable, thoughtful human being. A true lady in every sense of the word. Her lovely, handwritten notes were gems you wanted to frame. I am so sorry she is no longer on this earth but I hope she is in the arms of our Lord and Savior.

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Rivera Family Funeral Home

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