Eliza Varela Maestas

"Beloved and dearest Sra. ELIZA VARELA y Roybal de Maestas -

whose VARELA ancestry dates to the Villa de Santa Fe's founding families - and to the first Spanish-European New Mexican settlers, she quietly and unexpectedly, passed-away on 30 May 2026. Sra. Maria ELIZA passed-on peacefully in her sleep, and, taken by our Lord's Angles, went to Heaven to join her awaiting Varela-Roybal Family. Eliza was born on January 21, 1940 and was married to Master Chief, U.S. Navy, 30-year veteran, Elmer Eugene MAESTAS. She was the daughter of Sr. Leopoldo Varela and Sra. Rosina Roy de Varela. Eliza graduated from all Catholic schools - Santa Fe's St. Francis and Loretto Girls Academy; St. Joseph's College (B.A.) and Quito, Ecuador's Universidad Catolica (M.A.), - then was a Catholic Schools Educator for 30 years- with teaching assignments in Santa Fe, NM; Charleston, SC; Key West, FL; Albuquerque, NM; and Quito, Ecuador (S.A.).

Also, a proud U.S. military spouse, she was appointed as 'American Community Liaison Officer' by the United State's Ambassador to Ecuador, where Master Chief Maestas was assigned as a U.S. Military Advisor / Liaison officer. Later, as a rated Lady's Senior tennis player, she played in two National Championships, with her team finishing with one 2nd place ranking. She also remained active in Community, Spanish traditional, Historic, and Church affairs, as well as helping with the research for Mr. Maestas' NM history book,

(2016), and volunteered to entertain homeless children in shelters and hospitals. She also led her school's drill/cheer team in cheering competitions and parades.

Sra. Eliza is survived by her husband of 69 years, Elmer Eugene Maestas, and whom were wed at Santa FeSt. Francis Cathedral. She is also survived by their son, retired USCG Lieutenant, Elmer Gene and spouse Rebecca; grandson, Sebastian Cole and spouse Cara, grand-daughter Brienna Eliza and friend Keith Lucero. Also, beloved sister's-in-law Marie Varela; Marie Nea Varela; Patsy Ann Ortiz-Maestas, and Marlene Maestas. Beloved Nieces Esther Sanchez (Gilbert), Deborah Varela, Angela Sanchez (Jeana), Diane Sanchez, and Rachael Varela-Buck (Marc); beloved nephews Ernie Sanchez (Tony), Alan Varela (Michelle), Jimmy Varela Jr. (Ashley), Isaac Varela Jr.

(Loretta), Andrew Varela, Joseph Sanchez (Margaret), Raymond Sanchez (Kim), Danny Varela, Marco Ortiz (Lynnea), Marla Ortiz-Gabaldon (Damian), Benjamine Ortiz (Nichole), Marquita Ortiz-Brown (Cory), Diego Maestas, Eva Maestas-Trujillo (Adrian), Francisco Maestas (Alexandria); as well as many, many special and other family and dear friends - including special dear God-children Monique Martinez and Austin Varela. Being a Catholic-Spanish traditionalist, Sra. Eliza always preferred all the many ceremonies in that special, traditional manner. One of her favorite sayings was - "God Bless All My Family and Friends, and All Our Children." A holy funeral Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Santa Fe, NM - A Holy Rosary, 10:30am; Holy Mass 11:00am; Internment/Burial, Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:15pm. All events will be held on 17 June 2026, in Santa Fe, NM.

God Bless and Best Regards,

Elmer Eugene Maestas, Master Chief-USN (ret.)

(Former Santa Fe Fiesta Council member; MA-UNM; Author/writer)