Terry Ortega

Terri Ortega, age 66, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away tragically and unexpectedly on September 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and loud strength.

Born on October 20, 1958, in St Paul, Minnesota, to Donald Falck and Sally Richie, Terri lived a life full of heart, purpose, and service. She proudly worked as a school bus driver for 43 years, safely guiding generations of children to and from school. Her warm smile and steady presence became a comforting part of many families lives over the years.

Terri was known for her headstrong personality, sharp honesty, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. She told it like it was whether you were ready to hear it or not and always stood her ground. But just as fierce as she was, she also had a heart that never hesitated to help someone in need. If you needed her, she was there, no questions asked. Terri had a deep love for the simple joys in life her daily Starbucks, dinners at Longhorn Steakhouse with her husband, and her cherished collection of Coach purses. She had a bold, fun-loving spirit, her love for the holidays especially Halloween, her favorite time of year, and she adored animals, especially sharks and penguins, which she found endlessly fascinating. Terri did things her way, always. Once her mind was made up, nothing could change it and that’s exactly how she lived: fiercely, authentically, and unapologetically herself.

But most of all, her deep love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her love and loyalty to those close to her were felt every day in both big and quiet ways.

She is survived by her husband Patrick Ortega and her two daughters Cathleen Moya (Husband; John Romero) and LeeAnne Martinez (Husband; Lawerence Martinez). Her beloved seven grandchildren Erin Romero, Isiah Romero, Anastasia Serna, Amber Martinez, Lawerence Martinez, Sharon Sena, and Victoria Martinez and her sister Dawn LaGesse and brother Jon Falck. Her four great-grandchildren Lily, Brandon, Lawernce Jr, and one more on the way and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will carry her memory forward with love.

She was preceded in death by her parents Donald Falck and Sally Richie.

A funeral service will be held on September 22, 2025, at TBD at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Pojoaque, NM, with a reception to follow at Cities of Gold Casino in Pojoaque, NM as well. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Terri’s life.