Our beloved sister, aunt, and friend, Theresa A. Ortiz, 51, born in Taos, New Mexico passed away on January 5, 2026.

Theresa is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ortiz and Lupe Concha, grandparents, Juan Ortiz, Felecita Ortiz, Antonio Concha, Ignacia Concha, niece Mavis, uncles Felix and Leandro, aunt Rose, cousins Harold and Hector.

Theresa is survived by her siblings, Berna (CC), Max, Michael (Jennifer), Johnny, and Tony (Delilah), her cherished nieces and nephews, Johnny Jr., Alexa, Brandon, Shania, Allysa, Bianca, Autyana, Antonio, Sophia, Gianna , Caitlin, Carter, Meia, Flora, Adao, aunts, Mabel, Dolores, Juanita, pets, Freddy and Mr. Fluffy and many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

Theresa, lovingly known as Tess, was a vibrant and energetic soul whose presence brought warmth and comfort to everyone around her. She had a beautiful way of making people feel seen, cared for, and valued. With her generous heart and infectious laugh, she felt like home in every sense of the word.

She was someone who showed up, always. You could count on her without question. Within her family, Tess was the reliable one, the steady presence who helped coordinate, support, and bring everyone together. She carried a natural sense of responsibility and care that others leaned on. People knew they could depend on her, and they often did. She wanted nothing more than for the people she loved to follow their hearts and live fully.

To her nieces and nephews, Tess was a nurturing and dependable mother figure. She showed up in life’s most critical moments, offering strength, reassurance, and unwavering support, but she was just as present in the quiet, everyday moments that mattered equally as much. She had a gift for turning ordinary, everyday moments into something fun and memorable.

Tess was the family photographer, always behind the camera, capturing moments so memories could be treasured. She found joy in her garden, hosting the best sleepovers, hanging out at the river, blasting her upbeat Spanish music, and being surround by her loved ones.

From your family: your absence by far is the heaviest weight we have ever had to carry, but your presence remains undeniable. You are not here, and yet, you are everywhere. We will honor you, speak proudly of your life, and carry you with us in all that we do. We love you, Sister Tess, Auntie Tess, Tía Theresa, Corey, Cheeseball (and we know you would have laughed at that). You are loved endlessly, and you always will be. Until we meet again.

—The Concha-Ortiz Clan

A mass will be held on January 17, 2026 at 10AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe with a burial to follow at Arroyo Seco cemetery. A meal will be held at St. Joseph hall at around 1PM.