Teresa Gonzales

Teresa Gonzales, 85, of Ranchos de Taos, passed away peacefully on November 25.

She was born to Levi and Irene Salazar and grew up in the deep traditions and close-knit culture of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, via Chanclas Lane.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Ismael Salazar (Domitila), Ramon Salazar (Amalia), Abel Salazar (Betty), and Wallace Salazar (Lula); her sisters Margarita Salazar, Eloida (Jerry) García, and Josie/Fefa (Raul) Esquibel; and her beloved grandson William Gonzales.

She is survived by her three children, Charlene Anglada (Rick), Leroy Gonzales (Carmen) and Rebecca Jeantete (Philip); She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nikki Smith (Darren), Matthew Gonzales, and the surviving wife of William, Nicole Gonzales, Ricardo Anglada (Alisa), Paul Anglada (Garrick), Felipe Jeantete, Michelle Jeantete, Tiffany Gonzales, Sarah Trujillo (Michael),

and Vicente Jeantete; her great-grandchildren, Evelyn Torrez, Ryan Torrez (Ariessa), Christopher Torrez, Iliana Trinidad, Jaelynn Gonzales, Joshua Gonzales, Victor Trinidad, Alexandra Gonzales, Analisa Gonzales, Owen Ortiz, Lev Anglada, Elijah Trujillo, and Luz Anglada; her great-great grandchildren, Matthew Torrez, Richard Torrez, and Jaxon Torrez (expected in March).

Teresa lived a life defined by service, dedication, and compassion. She was a renowned hairdresser in Taos, admired for her skill, kindness, and humor. She retired from the State Human Services Division, where she worked tirelessly to support families across the state. She also served as a caretaker for Taos House El Mirador, worked as a nutritionist for Holy Cross Hospital, and was one of the founding members of the Rape Crisis Center in Taos in the 1970s, helping establish vital support and shelter for survivors, including opening her own home.

A woman of deep faith, Teresa was a devout Christian and an active member of the Cañon Brethren Church for many years. She lovingly passed on her faith to all.

Teresa was a fantastic cook and baker. She loved to read, crochet, and volunteer. She was well known for performing the Entrega with her brothers, a cherished tradition she carried with pride.

Teresa was known for her feisty, joking personality. Even throughout illness, she strived to make people laugh. She brought joy and humor to those around her, never wavering even in difficult moments.

In her retirement, Teresa devoted her days to caring for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly. They were her world, and they loved, respected, and cherished her equally.

At the 2019 Salazar family reunion, in which she and her brother Wallace were honored, she described the experience as “a walk through Heaven.”

That is where she is today.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Services will be announced at a later date.

The family of Teresa Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com