Enedina "Nancy" Santillan

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce that Enedina "Nancy" Santillan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the age of 88 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by her devoted family.

Nancy was born on November 6, 1936, in Artesia New Mexico, to Erino and Anita Gonzales. As the eldest of eight children, she lovingly watched over her siblings Connie, Yolanda, Belen, Ray, and Bobby, Jackie and Eddie throughout her life. Nancy's roots ran deep in Artesia, where she spent her formative years and graduated from Artesia High School in 1956.

Love found Nancy when she met Santiago "Jim" Santillan, and they married on January 31, 1959. Together, they built a wonderful life in Tucumcari, New Mexico, where they raised three beautiful children: Jimmy, Anna, and Michael. Nancy's compassionate nature led her to a fulfilling career as a nurse aide at Trigg Memorial Hospital, where she touched countless lives with her commitment to care for patients and dedication to those she worked with.

In 1991, Nancy retired and her family made Albuquerque their home, where she continued to find joy in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed a good shopping day, socializing with family, baking cookies, gardening and found spiritual comfort in attending services at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church. She treasured every moment spent with her beloved family. Nancy's warmth and love of family and friends created a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Nancy's memory will be forever cherished by her surviving siblings Yolanda and Belen,and Ray, her children Jimmy, Anna and Michael, son-in-law Oswaldo, daughter-in-law Frances, and her precious grandchildren Gabriel, Chloe, and Steven. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, and her siblings Connie, Ray, Eddie, Jackie and Bobby.

Celebration of Life

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church, 11509 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.

Following the service, Nancy will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, at 11:00 AM with graveside prayers.

Nancy's life was a testament to love, faith, and family. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the incredible woman she was and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.