Mary E. Apodaca-Vigil

Mary E. Apodaca-Vigil, 90, passed away Dec. 16, 2012, at Porter Hospice in Centennial, Colo. after an extended illness. She is survived by her children, Ross P.(MaryAnn) Vigil, Raymond L. (Cathy) Vigil, Elaine (Thomas) Pease, Jeri (Robert) Leaverton and Jerry (Judi) Vigil. Her grandchildren include Anthony E. (Margaret) Vigil, Valerie (Brian) Sword, Bryan Vigil, Greg (Julie) Vigil, Melissa R. Leaverton, Michael J.(Tiffany) Leaverton. Lisa (Brad) Mauvais, Jeff Martinez, Christian (Brad) Martinez, Aaron (Kelly) Martinez, Adrienne Martinez and Russell Espinoza. Mary is great-grandmother to Kristopher Watkins and Avery Ruth Vigil. Mary was born on June 29, 1922, in Aguilar, Colo., and was the last surviving member of a large family of 18 children. She was a bright and independent woman who worked hard for her family. She pursued a high school diploma at the age of 49, despite already possessing a GED. She went on to receive an associate's degree and took various classes of interest throughout her life. After her retirement from the Pueblo Chieftain, she started a label making business from the ground up. Mary's favorite pastime was reading and being with her family. She was a strong, faithful Christian woman with a love for the Lord. She was a role model to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com