Andreé Colette Balot Mena

Andreé Colette Balot Mena, 82, of Santa Fe, NM passed away on March 10th, 2026.

She will be remembered as a woman of warmth, resilience, and gentle strength—a lover of animals who never turned away a stray, a gifted cook whose kitchen was always open to family and friends, and a creative spirit who expressed herself through her art. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, whose presence left a lasting imprint on those who knew and loved her.

Andreé was born on April 8th, 1943, to Valentine Balot and Desire Balot in Marceille, France. At an early age she emigrated with her parents to Chile, where she created a life filled with friendship, love, and family, and where she met her husband, Ismael Mena. They were married on April 4th, 1962, beginning a partnership that would span more than 64 years.

Together, they immigrated to the United States as political refugees, building a new life through courage, determination, and hard work. Over the decades, they ran a successful autobody shop (Mena’s Coachworks) business well known in their community, raised a family, built a home, shared a trillion meals, and moved through life side by side. As a couple, they faced both meaningful joys and profound challenges. Their life together found its rhythm through deep commitment, perseverance, and enduring love.

Andreé embraced her life in America while remaining deeply connected to her French and Chilean roots and passions. She spoke four languages—French, Spanish, Italian, and English—and moved gracefully between cultures, carrying her heritage forward in her family, her cooking, and her way of being in the world. Following a life-altering stroke 31 years ago, she continued to live with remarkable strength and dignity.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ismael; her children—Andrea Mena Lynch (Edward Michael Lynch), Ismael Mena Jr., and Solange Mena; her grandchildren—Paris Andreé Lynch, Owen Michael Lynch, Madeleine Mena, and Grace Mena; her nieces—Denise Balot and Briggitte Belot; and her extended family and friends who will remember her with love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine Maurin Vensa and Desire Balot; and her sister, Madeleine Balot.

Andreé was a defining presence at the center of her family’s story and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society.