Esther was the first-born child of Leo and Teresa C de Vaca. She was born on April 9, 1955, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was raised in the village of Agua Fría. She graduated from Santa Fe High School and went on to attend college, earning a degree in Business.

Esther dedicated many years of her life Being the best momma out there raising her 3 boys & Daughter. Caring for her Aunt Stella and Husband Jimmy.
She retired from Santa Fe Public Schools, where she began at Agua Fría Elementary—where her children, nieces, and nephews attended—and later continued at El Camino Real Academy, where her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews went to school. She also worked for many years at Albertsons on Zafarano Drive, where she built lasting friendships.

Esther passed away on April 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

To her family, she was the strongest mother—a true rock, protector, and the heart of their home. In 2022, Esther was given a second chance at life. Though her heart had stopped, God decided it was not her time. She fought with incredible strength and returned home to her family, continuing to guide and support them through one of their most difficult times, including the loss of their beloved husband and father.

During those years, she was also blessed with more grandchildren—three grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and one step great-granddaughter. These children brought her immense joy, and she lovingly described them as “the sound of God’s music.”

For the past four years, Esther was a dialysis patient at Home Dialysis of Santa Fe, where she formed meaningful connections. She shared a special bond with Marietta, who made her feel safe and secure, especially as she faced life fully blind. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Marietta for the love and care she showed Esther.

Esther is now in Heaven, reunited with so many she loved and missed deeply. We can only imagine the beautiful reunion waiting for her at the gates.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Teresa C de Vaca; Her Beloved Husband Jimmy, her baby brother, John; her brother, Leonard; her special Aunt Stella;
her sister-in-law & brother-in-law Margaret & Joe Bowannie; her nephew, Marshal; and her father-in-law, Henry Ortiz.

She is survived by her children: James (Lori), Eric (Antoinette), Ernest (Yvette),Charlotte (Andre); her grandchildren: Marissa, Nicole ( Zeke ), Isaac ( Cierra ), Monique, Elijah, Josiah, , Anyston, Kamyron, and Eython; her great-grandchild, Leilani ; & Step Great-Granddaughter Liliana
Siblings -
Anthony Sr, Bernadette, Patrick Sr
Very Special Mother in-law who she loved as her own parent Isabel Ortiz.
Her God Son Jeremy Ortiz & her God Son/ Son In-law Andre .
Many Nieces & Nephews & Special cousins Rosie, Viola & Carmen

Her legacy of strength, love, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Tuesday May 12th 2026 Rosary at 9am Funeral at 10am at the San Isidro church (old church)