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zilla porter-padilla
1935 - 2015
BORN
1935
DIED
2015
zilla porter-padilla Obituary
Zilla Porter-Padilla died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 26, 2015. Born April 10, 1935 in Albuquerque, NM, she is preceded in death by her parents; Julius and Mary Porter; sister Charlene Yanes; brothers Junior Porter, Charlie Porter, Richard Porter, Harold Porter and Bobby Porter.
Zilla is survived by her husband of 52 1/2 years, Joe A. Padilla; daughters Stephanie Padilla (partner Dardo Vigil), Karen Ramirez and Rosemary Brockman (husband Roger), Juanita Padilla and William Padilla; grandchildren Juan Ramirez & Jessica Tapia and Camylle Ramirez & Jordan Barela, Brandy and Tristan Brockman; great-grandchildren Bryana, Gabriella, Sean and Isaac; her brother Jimmy Porter; dear friends Angie & Eloy Romero, Frances C de Baca, Mike & Mida Branch, Sarah & Ambrose Duran, David & Theresa Leyba, Gloria Ortiz plus many nieces, nephews & cousins.
In 1962, Joe and Zilla were married in Juarez, Mexico. For many years the couple made a wonderful life in Santa Fe, where they raised their kids and made good friends. A graduate of Grants High School, she had a 35 year career in banking with Grants State Bank, First National Bank of Santa Fe and The Bank of Santa Fe. Then 15 years with the State Land Office, and also active with the Chamber of Commerce.
A lover of fashion, she always made an impression when she walked into a gathering, notably her wardrobe of spectacular shoes. One recent description made it clear - she was Regal.
She loved to paint, to work in her yard, country-western music and was a collector of things she loved (puppies and faux frogs). Anyone who knew her, seeing anything to do with frogs, it would put a smile on their face.
Most of all, Zilla loved her family with a fierceness. And one was never a stranger once you entered her home as a guest, you always felt like part of this family, with a pot of red chile simmering on the stove and her laughter in the air. She will be missed by each and every soul who was lucky enough to know her love.
A mass will be held on Tuesday, August 4th, 2015 in Santa Fe at Our Lady of Guadalupe at 10:45am. Followed by the interment at 12:45 at the National Cemetery. Pall bearers are; Juan Ramirez, Jordan Barela, Roger Brockman, Steve Westman, Michael Yanes, Lance Cherry and Billy Scribner. The honorary Pall bearers are; Jimmy Porter, Hamp Porter, Eloy and Angie Romero, Mike and Maida Branch, Frances C De Baca, Ambrose and Sarah Duran, and David and Teresa Leyba. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the New Mexico Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for zilla porter-padilla
6 Entries
Barbara Valdez
August 3, 2015
What a lovely, lovely woman. We send our prayers for the family. May she rest in peace.
Paula Clay-Rodriguez
August 3, 2015
Rosemary & Family- I am so very sorry to hear that Zilla has passed away. I will always remember her kindness, her beautiful clothes, her pefect hair & that big Lincoln she use to drive. My love & prayer for precious Zilla.
August 2, 2015
I had the privilege of know Zilla when I was commuting to work in Santa Fe in the 80s. She was one of the van drivers for the "Bullet Van". She used to get us to Santa Fe in record time ( a little faster than the speed limit!) I will always remember her as a warm and caring person who made everyone feel special. Sorry to hear of her passing. Paula Maglione
August 2, 2015
Our condolences on the loss of your mother, may the wonderful memories comfort you. Lola Thompson
Cynthia & Chris
August 1, 2015
Your mother was a wonderful Lady, she made us feel welcome the day we met her. We feel very blessed to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Melinda Lopez
August 1, 2015
Stephanie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this time.
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