Marilyn V. Torres Baca

Marilyn V. (Torres) Baca

1940-2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marilyn V. (Torres) Baca, age 85, of Belen, on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at the Albuquerque home of her eldest daughter, where she happily resided for her last two years.

She was surrounded by her loving children and we are comforted in knowing that Marilyn received her Last Rites by Fr. Mike J. Shea and Deacon Rivera, of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, as she began her final journey to meet our Lord.

Marilyn was born in Belen to parents, Pete and Cecilia (Cordova) Torres. She was one of seven children. As a child, she enjoyed being a Girl Scout and participating in 4-H.

In high school, she was in band as both a twirler and a trumpeter, Government Club and Future Homemakers of America. She graduated from Belen High School in 1958 with lifelong fond memories of her school days and school friends.

Marilyn then worked at Dr. Radcliff's office in Belen and later volunteered at St. Mary's Catholic School as an administrative secretary.

Marilyn married Olmedo (OJ) Baca in 1960 at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. They were members of the Jaycees, and Marilyn was in service to the Catholic Daughters of America.

Marilyn had a fond love of the arts and music, especially trumpet music that she listened to daily, as well as inspiring the family's love of live theater. It was her strong value of higher education that inspired her four children to pursue college studies, of which she was so proud.

Marilyn was a homemaker, always with a kind and gentle demeanor. She was delighted to become a grandmother, and she was adored by her loving grandchildren, who spent much time with her and lifted her spirits until her very last days.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, Steve Baca, of Los Lunas, Gerald Baca and wife, Victoria (Vicky), of Albuquerque, Jolene Baca Esparza, of Albuquerque, and Valerie Baca and husband, Stephen Drewelow, of Lakewood, Colo.; five grandchildren, Katelyn, Madison and Andrew Esparza, and their father, Del Esparza; and Noah and Annabelle Drewelow; sister, Virgie Brindamour and husband, Don, of Fontana, Calif.; sister-in-law, Virginia Baca, of Belen; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Olmedo Baca; parents, Pete and Cecelia Torres; in-laws, Antonio and Alicia Baca; sister, Frances Cavalier Abeyta; brothers, Robert (Bobby) Cavalier, Joe Cavalier, Jimmy Cavalier and Alvin Torres; in-laws, Cipriana and Gillie Sanchez, Carmen and Earl Waid, Marci and Dinah Baca, Antonio Jr. and Amy Baca, Ruben and Lucille Baca and Doroteo (Joty) Baca. We have faith that she will also reunite with her unborn grandchildren of Gerald and Vicky.

The family would like to thank Marilyn's caregivers over the past few years, with special recognition of our amazing sister, Jolene, who provided loving care for many years, as well as our precious sister-in-law, Vicky, for her caregiving and spiritual guidance, especially during Marilyn's last months and last moments.

Romero Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For Flowers please contact Davis Floral (505) 864-8722