Cecelia Ann Saladen

CECELIA ANN SALADEN

April 22, 1936 – October 17, 2025

Cecelia Ann (McConville) Saladen, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025 at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the age of 89.

Cecelia was born in McCook, Nebraska on April 22, 1936 to Thomas and Elizabeth (Lillian) McConville. She grew up on a farm with her six siblings north of Indianola, Nebraska and graduated from Indianola High School in 1953.

On April 2, 1956, she was united in marriage to Verlyn Saladen at St. Caterine’s Catholic Church in Indianola, marking the beginning of a lifetime of love, faith, and dedication to her family and home. Together they built a beautiful life and raised six children.

In 1974, they moved their family to New Mexico, where they made Santa Fe their home. A talented cook and baker, Cecelia found great joy in sharing food with those she loved. Her homemade bread, cookies, rolls, and pies were family favorites, and her pumpkin pie held a special place at every holiday gathering.

As her children grew, Cecelia spent more than 20 years working in shops in downtown Santa Fe selling clothing, jewelry, and southwestern pottery and art.

Cecelia was a devout and faithful Catholic. She was actively involved in church activities throughout her life, including participation in the Catholic Daughters of America, Alter Society, and teaching catechism classes. As a founding member of Santa Maria De La Paz Catholic Church Community, she gave her time generously as a eucharist minister, in parish fundraising efforts, and on the landscape committee. She also volunteered at St. John’s Soup Kitchen for many years.

She was an avid walker who could outpace most people half her age (including family members), and she loved playing cards and board games, where she brought a competitive spirit to every game.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lillian McConville; her beloved husband of 49 years, Verlyn; her siblings, LaMoine, Dick, Eileen, Catherine, and Marilyn; and her cherished grandson Robert.

She is survived by her brother, Robert McConville; and her six children: Tim Saladen, Dianne Romero (husband Tim Romero), Cindy Stohr (husband John Stohr), Mike Saladen (wife Jennifer Saladen), Lori Kirven (husband Joe Kirven), and Danny Saladen. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, many relatives and friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with her.

Services will be held on November 5, 2025 at 9:30 A.M. at Santa Maria De La Paz Catholic Church in Santa Fe, NM with interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery following the mass and reception. Donations may be given to Right to Life in her memory.