Patricia Ann Padilla

Our beloved mother, Patricia Ann Padilla, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Patricia was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Mildred and Posey Akers. Although Albuquerque was the largest city in the state, in 1941 it was still a small town. Mom’s humble childhood was full of activity as her father took her fishing almost every weekend and she learned from him how to do just about anything. Grandpa Akers was a mechanic and young “Patty” watched him with great interest in learning. Patricia was just 12years old when her beloved father passed away, and she had to learn to be independent at a very young age. Mom was a beautiful Irish redhead with fiery independence. It was this independence, her unending perseverance, and her devout faith that made her the strong and beautiful woman she was. 

Patricia married Dennis Padilla in 1959, and they lived in Gallup, NM. Mom and dad were the New Mexico version of “I Love Lucy”! Mom was the beautiful redhead with dancing blue eyes, and dad the cool “50’s guy” with slick black hair and deep brown eyes. They were quite a pair! Dennis and “Pat” moved to Santa Fe in 1966 and started a small snack distributing business together. Dad was the salesman and mom was the bookkeeper. She always had a knack for details, and she kept her books to the penny! 

It was in the early 1960’s that Patricia made a decision that would guide the rest of her life, it was then she dedicated her life to Jesus. Mom often spoke of the day, watching Billy Graham, when she fell to her knees and asked God to come into her life. She was truly born again, and it was then that her life truly began. Mom’s faith was her rock and her foundation. Patricia became a true soldier for Christ, and she instilled the value of faith in our family. Mom was eager to learn the teachings of the Bible and as she grew in her faith, she taught all of us that faith in God needed to be the center of our lives… “Let Go and Let God”.

By the mid 1970’s the family had grown to six children, five sons and one daughter. Family was the center of mom’s life, and she was likewise the center of our family. She was our rock. Mom also had a strong work ethic. Taking care of business was paramount and the word “lazy” just wasn’t in her vocabulary. It was also around that time that mom became a realtor, selling houses and ultimately building a business selling mobile homes. Mom saw a need for affordable housing for people in Santa Fe and she stepped in. As a realtor, Patricia didn’t just help people find a house to live in, she helped families build their homes and their lives. As a soldier for Christ, she truly did God’s work sharing the word of God through a helping hand, a guiding light, and some practical advice! Throughout mom’s life, the people she helped find a home felt that she was a part of their family too. 

Mom was the bedrock of our family. She made sure we always had food on the table, the clothing we needed, and kept our faith in God. Mom kept everyone running and made sure each of her children felt supported and loved. 

Mom always thought of others before herself. Always. As she worked hard, built three businesses, raised six kids, and dedicated time to learn more about the teaching of Christ, mom was never boastful or proud. The words “proud of you” were always replaced with “thankful”. She remained humble throughout her life. 

Faith, humility and love were the cornerstones of mom’s life and her legacy. Mom was kind and always generous to those who needed help. She believed in tithing and was always charitable. Mom was also a prayer warrior. She believed in the power of prayer and through her involvement with her church and her circle of friends, mom would pray for all people each and every day. Her prayers included family, friends, people she saw on the street, and people she saw in the news who were suffering or hurting from natural disasters, wars, or were victims of violence. Mom lifted all of us up in prayer each and every day... 

Mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was constantly in pain, though she never complained. She was as tough as they get. Mom was truly grateful to all her caregivers, healthcare providers and people who helped her every day. She appreciated Holly her hair stylist, Debra who delivered her meals, her many doctors and the nursing teams at Presbyterian in Rio Rancho. She was thankful for Christine from the Senior Center Grief group and the city’s transit system. She always had a grateful heart. 

Yes mom, we too are thankful. We are thankful for all that you are, humbled by your selflessness, and heartbroken by the loss of your beautiful light in this world. And although we are empty without you, we take comfort in knowing that you are “safely home”. You are at peace, no longer in pain, and celebrating in the glory of God. 

Patricia was preceded in death by her loving father, mother, siblings – Martin, Joe, Gloria, and Mary; our father Dennis, and our youngest brother Michael. Patricia is survived by her sister Betty, and her legacy lives on through her children, Dennis Ray, Cindy (Mark), Randy, Chris and Jerry (Christy); her grandchildren Melissa (Supo), Scott, Matthew (Marielle) and Dayton, Jaxon, Nyah, Isaiah, and Gracie; her great grandchildren, Izaura, Jai, Zeke, Xander, Xavier, and Willa; and her many nieces and nephews. 

The family will celebrate her life on January 20, 2025 at Calvary Chapel in Rio Rancho at 11:00 am. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.