AURELIA MOYA

AURELIA MOYA
July 8, 1942 – January 17, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished mother, Aurelia Teresa Moya.
She is deeply mourned by her five daughters and their families: Annette Stewart, Donna (Russell) Ward, Loretta (Richard) Martinez, Carol Sandoval, and Jennifer Sandoval.
Mom is survived by her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sara Stewart and Sam Stewart; Karlen (Arden) Ward and Kameron; Richelle Ward and Lorenzo; Daniel (Celina) Martinez, Bianca, and Mila; Antoinette (Ben) Martinez, Ethan and Alma; Alicia (Ronaldo) Martinez, Matias, Amada, Garrett, and Gracyn; Colleen Sager; David (Emily) Sager and Miriam; and Elijah Sandoval.
She also leaves behind her siblings: Don (Marcia) Moya, Diana (Leroy) Moya-Lujan, Martin (Joyce) Moya, Veronica Moya, and Steve (Jean Anaya) Moya, as well as her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, all of whom she held deeply in her heart.
Aurelia was predeceased by her precious parents, Daniel and Ethel Moya, and her beloved father-in-law, Meliton P. Sandoval.
A proud native of Santa Fe, Mom often shared stories of visiting her grandparents, Maria Refugia ("Ma'ito") Lobato Moya and Juan Bautista Moya, on Canyon Road. She cherished the time spent with Grandma Ma'ito, watching and helping her make tortillas for Grandpa Juan on their old wood stove. As a teenager, Mom had a charisma that naturally drew people to her. She was a cheerleader and, thanks to her kindness and ease in making friends, was well loved. When she was named Sophomore Homecoming Princess, she looked radiant in her pastel blue gown.
Becoming a mother at a very young age, Mom quickly learned how to manage a large household and raise five daughters with love. She was a DIY enthusiast long before the term became popular, often involving all of us in her projects. Mom loved gardening, canning, and baking with the fruits and vegetables she harvested each fall. She took pride in creating amazing meals for our family of seven while staying within a budget. Her greatest superpower was deconstructing a dish she had enjoyed at a restaurant and recreating it at home for us.
Mom was devoted to us, her ten grandchildren, and her nine great-grandchildren. Nonnie loved having the grandkids over for her epic spooky Halloween parties, sleepovers, special tea parties, fancy parties, or just one-on-one time. She enjoyed attending sporting events, rodeos, cheer and dance competitions, theater performances, and school events-anything that allowed her to watch her precious grandchildren shine. Every one of her babies carries special memories of Nonnie cheering them on.
For decades, Mom was passionate about the city league volleyball team, where she made lifelong friends. Their hysterical "Christmas in July" backyard gatherings were legendary.
When four of us were in our teens, Mom proudly earned her GED in 1976. That accomplishment led to a long career with several New Mexico state government agencies. She loved being part of the legislature and collaborating with colleagues, many of whom became like family.
Retirement gave her the opportunity to care for and spend meaningful time with her parents, Dan and Ethel. After Grandma Ethel passed, she and Grandpa Dan spent hours taking classes together, learning to carve reliefs and bultos while making friends and deepening their appreciation of Hispanic culture and traditions.
Our mother's story has come to an end. Hold her memory close in your hearts, and believe that on her journey her soul is surrounded by family and loved ones who have been waiting to welcome her.
Special thanks to the loving caregivers at MorningStar; RN Katie Fast; RN Leanne Candelaria; and the many compassionate individuals from Enchanted Sky Hospice, as well as Santa Fe Funeral and Cremation Services. We will never forget the love and comfort these angels provided Mom in her final days.
Please join our family to honor and celebrate Aurelia's life. The Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 6:00PM on February 12, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 11:00AM on February 13, 2026, with interment to follow at Rosario Cemetery at 1:00PM. A reception will follow at 2:00PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Pallbearers are Aurelia's grandsons Daniel Martinez, Karlen Ward, Sam Stewart, David Sager, and Elijah Sandoval.