Gloria T Vigil

Gloria T. Vigil, 94, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Gloria was born Maria Gloria Trujillo on July 8, 1931, in Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Guadalupe Montaño and Anastacio Trujillo. She was the youngest of four children and was primarily raised by her mother, affectionately known throughout the community as Mama Taño, in the Las Cocinitas neighborhood of Bernalillo. Gloria spoke often and fondly of her childhood, recalling the deep love and care her mother gave to her despite the challenges of raising four children as a single mother. She especially remembered the beautiful dresses Mama Taño lovingly made for her.

Gloria attended Our Lady of Sorrows High School in Bernalillo, graduating in 1951. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Raul Harold Vigil of Pilar, New Mexico. Their story began at the Lensic Theater in Santa Fe, where Raul was operating the film projector and was immediately captivated by Gloria upon seeing her. They married shortly after her graduation and built a life together in Santa Fe, where they raised their four children: Harold Jr., Doris, Geri, and Frank.

As a young woman, Gloria worked as a cashier at Bell’s Department Store and modeled clothing in the store’s fashion shows. Gifted with charm and warmth, she later became a successful Avon representative and eventually worked as an agent for Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Company. Gloria later left her career to travel alongside Raul during his service as an Army National Guard Recruiter, which took their family to Pasadena, Texas, and Los Alamitos, California. In her later years, Gloria also gave back to her community by volunteering at the Presbyterian Hospice Store, where she found joy in serving others.

After Raul’s retirement, the couple embraced their love of travel, visiting all 50 states as well as Canada and Europe together. Gloria and Raul were also deeply devoted to helping raise their grandsons, Marcos and Michael. Their marriage lasted 47 years before Raul passed away from cancer in 1998.

Faith played a central role throughout Gloria’s life. Raised Catholic, she later joined her husband in the Spanish Baptist Church. In 1969, Gloria experienced a life-changing moment while in a coma, during which the Lord came to her and told her it was not yet her time. After awakening and making a full recovery, her faith deepened, and she became an active and devoted member of her church community.

Gloria was known for her warmth, generosity, humor, and unwavering faith. She admired beauty and fashion, loved music and dancing, enjoyed puzzles, shopping, and trips to the casino, and was always ready for a cold Dr. Pepper. Her home was always open to family and friends. Much like her mother before her, Gloria created a home filled with love and laughter.

In her later years, Gloria developed dementia. Though her memory declined, she never lost her sense of humor, her faith in God, or her awareness of the love surrounding her. In her final days, Gloria’s own loving nature was clear and inspiring to all around her. She prayed and spoke with love and gratitude of her husband, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Gloria is survived by her children: Raul Harold Vigil Jr., Doris McBride (Leandro Chavez), Geri Harris (John Harris), and Frank Vigil. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michael Vigil (Melanie Vigil), Marcos Vigil, and Marilyn Vigil-Harris; her great-grandchildren Tyson, Alyssa, and Styles; and her many nieces, grand-nieces, nephews, and grand-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Rivera Funeral Home, Kiva Chapel, 417 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to arrive after 1:00 p.m. for a viewing prior to the service. Burial services will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Guests are asked to arrive by 8:45AM.

Gloria will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.