Corina Visarraga

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Corina Visarraga passed away peacefully at home in Grants, New Mexico, surrounded by family and friends on November 1, 2025. She was born on March 26, 1932, to Nicomedes and Viola Olivas in Holman, New Mexico

Corina lived a life rooted in love, faith, and family. She grew up in a close-knit household where hard work, laughter, and prayer carried everyone through. She first married Tony Sanchez, and after his passing, later found love again with John Visarraga, with whom she shared 20 wonderful years of marriage.

Corina was the kind of person who made her house feel like home. Her heart was always open and her door never closed to anyone. She had a way of listening that made people feel seen and cared for — whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or just someone passing through.

She loved her brothers and sisters deeply and kept their families close to her heart, a confidant, and a steady presence through every stage of life.

Her brother Richard affectionately called her “Mama,” a nickname filled with love and respect, symbolizing the special bond they shared. Dennis Olivas came to live with her after her husband Tony passed away. She had never lived alone. Dennis has many memories that filled her home with laughter, routine, and shared memories that became part of both their lives. Christopher remembers her warmth, her quiet wisdom, and the way she made even ordinary days feel special.

Corina’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, where she attended Mass faithfully and prayed the Rosary daily. Her unwavering belief gave her strength through every joy and hardship.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicomedes and Viola Olivas; her first husband, Tony Sanchez; and her husband of 20 years, John Visarraga; beloved siblings Florencio Olivas, Lorenzo Olivas, Willie Olivas, Florida Romero, Nick Olivas, Ercy Sandoval, Dorothy Olivas and many other family members who welcomed her home in heaven.

She is survived by her siblings, Sam Olivas, Fiddy Gonzales- Trujullo, Emma Cruz, Richard Olivas (Doris) JD Olivas (May) , Tina Tanuz (Bill), and Honorary sister, Diana Thurber, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Rosary and funeral services will be held at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 213 Smith St, Grants, NM 87020.

Friday, November 14, 2025

• Viewing: 9:30a.m.• Rosary: 10:00a.m.• Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m.

The funeral service will follow at Grants Memorial Park, located at 500 W. Roosevelt Ave., Grants, New Mexico.

Pallbearers will be Salamon Olivas, Lorenzo Olivas, Dennis Olivas, John Olivas, Glen Olivas, Richard Casias, Billy Tanuz, and Adrian Romero.

We give our deepest thanks to her devoted caretakers, Tina Tanuz and Kathy Gabaldon, for their tireless care and compassion. A special thank you as well to her dear friends Bea, Tina, Lorraine, Dolores, Frances, Bill and Lorenzo, and to all who surrounded her with love, support, and prayer throughout this long journey. Special thanks to all of her Hospice nurses.

In Loving Memory of Corina Visarraga All are invited to honor and celebrate the life of Corina Visarraga on Friday, November 14, 2025, in Grants, New Mexico.

Following the burial, all are welcome to join for a reception at: Knights of Columbus Hall

1601 E. Roosevelt Ave, Grants, NM 87020