Arlene Lucille Padilla

COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

Arlene Lucille Padilla, born in El Rito, NM, on November 5, 1935, of Espanola, NM, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with family at her side in Tucson, AZ.

A retiree of the New Mexico State Records Center & Archives in Santa Fe, NM, she was the most precious, generous, selfless mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend to so many. A child of God, our sweet guardian angel will live on through each of us, whether you’ve known her all your life, for a short time or just recently met her, she was always so giving, loving, and she made an impact and brightened our lives – though we will miss her physical presence, we will carry her in our hearts all the rest of the days of our lives. Thanks to our heavenly Father for such a wonderful Blessing.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Herminio Padilla Sr., mother Helen Jimenez and stepfather Bennie of Tesuque, father Hernando Gonzales and stepmother Grace of Hernandez, parents in law Jose Eugenio and Francisquita Padilla of Hernandez, brothers Bobby Gonzales and Mario Jimenez, sister Nena Sisneros (survived by Gilbert), brothers Joel, Toby and Willie Gonzales (Dolores), eightbrothers-in-law, and six sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law Esther Padilla and Margaret Bowanie, and grandson, Marshal Padilla.

She is survived by her companion, Johnny Vigil of Utah, brothers Jose H. Gonzales and wife Jean of Monte Verde, FL, and Casey Gonzales and wife Karen of Velarde, sisters Mary Agnes Jaramillo and husband Johnny of Abiquiu, and Margaret Gonzales of Medanales, best friend Beatrice Griego of Espanola; children: Gene Padilla and wife Bea of Espanola, Phillip Padilla Sr. and wife Judy of Espanola, Bernie Padilla and wife Pam of Chamita, Herminio Padilla Jr. and wife Deana of El Rito, Karla (Padilla) Zamora and husband Matthew of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren: Karly and Ryan Zamora (Samantha), Joshua(Raven) and Briana Padilla, Jennifer Maestas, Brittany Sandoval (Frank) and Brandon Padilla, Fabian and Phillip Jr. Padilla, Anthony Padilla, Tara Atencio, Vanessa Kitchens and Amanda C De Baca, fourteen great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Services are being planned with the help of DeVargas Funeral Home for mid-November in Espanola, NM, at El Buen Pastor Church and burial at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

The family has entrusted the care of this courtesy announcement to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477.