With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished mother, Aurelia Teresa Moya, July 8, 1942 - January 17, 2026. She is deeply mourned by her five daughters and their families: Annette Stewart, Donna (Russell) Ward, Loretta (Richard) Martinez, Carol Sandoval, and Jennifer Sandoval.

Mom is survived by her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sara Stewart and Sam Stewart; Karlen (Arden) Ward, Kameron; Richelle Ward, Lorenzo; Daniel (Celina) Martinez, Bianca and Mila; Antoinette (Ben) Martinez, Ethan and Alma; Alicia (Ronaldo) Martinez, Matias, Amada, Garrett and Gracyn; Colleen Sager; David (Emily) Sager, Miriam; and Elijah Sandoval.

She leaves behind her siblings: Don (Marcia) Moya, Diana (Leroy) Moya-Lujan, Martin (Joyce) Moya, Veronica Moya, and Steve (Jean Anaya) Moya as well as her many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, whom she held deeply in her heart. Aurelia was predeceased by her precious parents Daniel and Ethel Moya and her beloved father-in-law, Meliton P. Sandoval.

A proud native of Santa Fe, mom often shared stories about visiting her grandparents, Maria Refugia (Ma’ito) Lobato Moya and Juan Bautista Moya, on Canyon Road. She cherished the time spent with Grandma Ma’ito, watching and helping her make tortillas for Grandpa Juan on their old wood stove. As a teenager, Mom had a charisma that naturally drew people to her. She was a cheerleader, and due to her kindness and ability to make friends easily, she was well-liked. When she was named Sophomore Homecoming Princess, she looked radiant in her pastel blue gown.

Becoming a mother at a very young age, mom quickly learned how to manage a large household and raise five daughters with love. She was a DIY enthusiast long before the term became popular, often involving all of us in her projects. Mom loved gardening, canning, and baking with the fruits and vegetables she harvested each fall. She took pride in her ability to create amazing meals for our family of seven while sticking to a budget. Her greatest superpower was deconstructing a dish she had enjoyed at a restaurant and recreating it for us at home.

Mom was devoted to us, her ten grandchildren, and her nine great-grandchildren. Nonnie loved having the grandkids over for her epic spooky Halloween parties, sleep-overs, special tea-parties, special fancy-parties, or just one-on-one time. She enjoyed attending sporting events, rodeos, cheer and dance competitions, theater and school performances - anything to see her precious grandchildren shine. Every one of her babies has special memories of Nonnie cheering them on.

For decades mom was passionate about the city league volleyball team where she made lifelong friends. Their hysterical “Christmas in July” backyard gatherings were legendary. When four of us were in our teens, mom proudly earned her GED in 1976. Because of that accomplishment, she had a long career with several NM State government agencies. She loved being part of the legislature and collaborating with her colleagues, some of whom became like family.

Retiring gave her the opportunity to care for and spend quality time with her parents, Dan and Ethel. After Grandma Ethel passed, she and Grandpa Dan spent hours in class learning to carve reliefs and bultos while making friends and learning about Hispanic culture and traditions.

Our mother’s story has come to an end. Hold her memory close in your hearts and believe that, on her journey, her soul is surrounded by family and loved ones who have been waiting for her to join them.

Special thanks to the loving caregivers at MorningStar, RN Katie Fast, RN Leanne Candelaria, and a myriad of others from Enchanted Sky Hospice, as well as Santa Fe Funeral and Cremation Services. We will never forget the love and comfort these angels showered on Mom in her final days.

Please join our family to honor and celebrate Aurelia’s life. The Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 6:00 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026. On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 11:00 am with interment to follow at Rosario Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow at 2:00 pm back at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Pallbearers are Aurelia’s grandsons Daniel Martinez, Karlen Ward, Sam Stewart, David Sager, and Elijah Sandoval.