Connie Varela

Connie Varela, a vibrant spirit and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 20, 1938, in the small town of Rowe, New Mexico, Connie embraced life with a vivacity that left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

As an amazing mother, Connie dedicated herself to nurturing her children and fostered a loving home filled with laughter and warmth. Her proudest accomplishments were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. Connie's love was as bountiful as the gardens she tended; her passion for gardening not only thrived in her backyard but flourished in the hearts of those around her. She carried with her an outstanding culinary talent that brought family together around the table, sharing meals rich with flavor and even richer with love.

Connie was known for her generous spirit; she was a giver, a healer, and a steadfast anchor to her family. Her sense of humor, sharp and infectious, brought joy and light into the lives of all who gathered by her side. She built bonds that transcended the ordinary, creating memories that would echo through generations.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Albert, who stood by her through every season of life, and a nurturing legacy reflected in the lives of her children: Laura (Doug) and Dale (Joyce). Her heart will continue to beat in the laughter and smiles of her grandchildren—Anthony Garcia, Alec Urioste (Amanda), Justin Jacoby, Camille Blea (Jerome), Danielle Varela (Dakota), Riannah Varela, Kyle Bryan Varela, Candice Flores (James), and Samantha Padilla (Andres), along with many loving great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who carry forth her spirit.

Though her physical presence will be missed, the memories of her vibrant life will linger in the garden of hearts she cultivated. Connie is reunited with those who have gone before her, including her beloved sons, Bert and Bryan Varela, her parents, Luis and Lucy Encinias, and her sisters, Luanna and Fabiola. Their reunion is surely a joyous occasion where stories and laughter resonate once more.

Services to honor Connie's remarkable life will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Pecos, New Mexico. A rosary will commence at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am on September 5, 2025. The day will culminate with a burial at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery at 12:30 pm.

As we bid farewell to Connie Varela, let us remember her not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the vibrant legacy she leaves behind—a legacy filled with love, laughter, and memories that will forever bloom in our hearts.