Lilly Vigil

Mrs. Lilly Vigil, lifelong Taoseña, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 29, 2024.  Lilly was preceded in death by her husband Cruz C. Vigil and her beloved son Adrian Carl Vigil, her parents “Cowboy” Joe P. and Ella S. Vigil, her sister Mary Mae Carmichael, her brothers Charlie Vigil (Emma) and Floyd Vigil (Priscilla) and great grandson Mateo Medina and great granddaughter Davina Lara.  Lilly is survived by her daughters Teodora Medina (Cippy) and Janet Martinez (George), her sons Andrew Vigil (Yvonne), Steve Vigil, and Peter Vigil (Jeanette), her sisters Julie Santistevan (Jerry) and Evelyn Ortega (Pete), brothers Gilbert Vigil and Anthony Vigil and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Lilly was born in Taos in 1926.  Her parents had a small family dairy, the “Rainbow Ranch” in Upper Ranchitos. Lilly started working to help her mother and siblings when she was 12 years old and worked for the Randall family of Taos.  She graduated from Taos High School in 1944.  She then traveled to California and was employed as a welder in the shipyards during World War II.  After returning to New Mexico, she married her husband Cruz in 1947.  Lilly and Cruz built their home in lower Ranchitos.   They loved to go dancing.  Lilly worked at the Coronado pharmacy and then JC Penny.  Lilly then took up her profession as a waitress working at El Patio restaurant and La Cocina on Taos Plaza.  Together, Cruz and Lilly enjoyed traveling to Europe and the many Kiwanis and school board conventions.  Lilly was always active and was known as a regular at the Taos Spa and Tennis Club for well over three decades.  She finished her career at El Mercado on Taos Plaza.  Lilly instilled a strong work ethic in her children and grandchildren.

Lilly loved to cook and we all will miss her apple cakes, cinnamon rolls, enchiladas as well as her tamales “delgaditos”.  She loved to bake cakes and always had something sweet to contribute to a neighbor, co-worker or acquaintance.  Lilly often visited residents at the Taos living center and many seniors in their homes.

The family of Lilly Vigil has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019