Monica Padilla

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Monica Cecilia Padilla on July 5, 2025. She was 57 years old.

Monica was born on March 10, 1968, and was a lifelong resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Monica met her husband Leroy Padilla in the summer of 1983. They dated a few years and quickly fell in love. They married 6 years later. They have been together for 42 years. Monica and Leroy have 2 beautiful daughters and 4 beautiful grandchildren.

Monica’s journey on this earth has touched the lives of so many and through it all has left an impressionable mark of kindness and unwavering devotion and love to her family and her friends. Monica was compassionate, kind and gentle. She devoted her life to nurturing her family and those around her, always placing the needs of others before her own. Monica’s legacy is that she gave love so freely and generously that she extended beyond her family. Monica has touched the hearts of so many, and all would say that it was a privilege to have known her. Monica carried herself with so much grace even in the hardest days, her light still shined brightly. She had a way of making people feel safe, loved, and seen, which was a gift not too many people have.

There are very few words capable of expressing the deep sorrow that will be left behind in the wake of losing such a beautiful soul. Leroy has lost his soulmate, best friend, his confidant, his other half his everything. Stephanie and Marissa have lost an exceptional mother who was the heart, the light and the loving guide to them and to Kenny Jr., Monique, Aaliyah and Aidan. Monica was also a mothering sister to Denise and Valerie who she guided and offered a strong sense of support, whom she loved and adored. Monica was an exceptional daughter who loved and cared for her mother Dolores . Monica was a respectful niece to her many aunts and uncles. Monica was truly more than a sister-in-law; she was a sister who always showed up with a full heart. Monica was an Auntie whom all looked up to and who left permanent mark in their hearts.

Today, we gather in spirit to honor the memory of a remarkable woman, loving wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, caring daughter faithful sister and friend, and a compassionate soul. We remember her not only for the life she lived but for the love she gave so freely and the legacy she leaves behind.

Monica is proceeded in death by her Grandparents: Augustine and Mary Baros and Cresencio and Flora Escudero, John Pete Baros (Father), Raymond Baros (Uncle) Elizabeth Rael ( Aunt), Dora Baros (Aunt), Greg Chavez (Cousin)

Left to cherish her memory and survived by Leroy Padilla (Husband) Dolores Grobe (Mother) Christine Dominquez (Aunt) daughters Stephanie Padilla Mendoza (Wendy Mendoza), Marissa Padilla, Grandchildren: Kenny Villa Jr (Carla Corrales), Monique Villa, Aaliyah Padilla and Aiden Padilla, Sisters: Denise Leyba (Art Leyba), Valerie Baros (Pat Baca), nieces and nephews: Natasha Montoya, Steve Ortiz, Destiny Branch, Atreus Lujan, Adonis Lujan, Arora Lujan, Mariah Baca, Messiah Baca and many extended relatives.