Natividad (Tive) Manzanares

Natividad (Tive) Manzanares, 94, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in La Puente, New Mexico. Beloved by her family and community, Tive leaves a legacy of love and service.

Tive was born on May 2, 1931, in Los Brazos, New Mexico. She lived a life that was the epitome of strength and grace, and she was adored by her family and friends. Married to her husband, Tony, on July 17, 1950, they had four children and raised their family in La Puente.

Throughout her life, Tive was beautifully devoted, as an organizer for San Jose Parish, teaching catechism, playing the organ, and as a member of the Blue Army dedicated to Catholic Charities.

Tive was a long-time employee for Rio Arriba County as the budget officer and serving as Deputy Treasurer. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Ladies Auxiliary, a 4H leader, and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi women’s sorority, holding several offices throughout her years. She was well known across her community for her phenomenal service.

Tive was famous for her biscochitos. Featured on the Wisdom Archive, her cookies were perfection, that her daughters and granddaughters continue to attempt to emulate and her family cherished. Tive was an avid fisherwoman who would wake before dawn to go fishing with her two boys before she would go to work. She was an amazing seamstress and exceptional cook and baker. Tive loved her home and everyone who visited was welcome into her extraordinary warmth.

Tive blessed her family with a model of kindness, humility, quiet wisdom, and strength.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony J. Manzanares, father and mother, Eluterio and Matilde Martinez, sister Margaret Trujillo, grandson Carl L. Manzanares, and great grandson Rowyn Manzanares.

Tive is survived by two brothers, Luther and Gonzalo Martinez who called her “my chuckalo.” She is survived by her children: son Antonio (Molly) Manzanares, daughter Francella Manzanares, son Carlos (Debbie) Manzanares, and daughter Theresa/Jinky (Art) Romero. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Agustin Manzanares, Lara Manzanares, Raquel Manzanares, Luisa Taylor, Gwen Perea Warniment, Jessica Houston, Olivia Treasure, Juan Jose (JJ) Manzanares, Michael Manzanares, Emerson Romero, Michelle Romero, Claire Roybal, and Cresenciano Romero, as well as twenty great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. She is also survived by her beloved caregiver and friend, Ana Maritza Zamora who was by her side for several years.

The family extends their gratitude to Ambercare Hospice for their compassionate support and nurse Eloida for her gentle, professional, and loving care.

Services:

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 5:00 pm followed by a rosary at 6:00 pm at San Jose Parish in Los Ojos, New Mexico.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am at San Jose Parish the following day, Thursday, May 29, 2025, followed by the internment at the San Jose Cemetery.

The Pallbearers will include Juan Jose (JJ) Manzanares, Adam Warniment, Olivia Treasure, Emerson Romero, Luisa Taylor, and Ross Roybal. Honorary pallbearers are Agustin Manzanares, Michael Manzanares, Tony Manzanares, Cresenciano Romero and Jessica Houston.