Delia B. Arellano

Our beloved matriarch, Delia B. Arellano (age 90) went into the arms of Jesus on August 7, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Delia was born in 1933 to her parents Luis and Matilde Benavidez in La Mesa, New Mexico. She proudly graduated from Gadsden High School and Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas. She considered nursing to be her dream job and had stints in surgery, private practice, education, and public health before ultimately retiring as a school nurse for the Gadsden School District.

Delia met the love of her life Teodolo Arellano, Sr., and they were married 3 months after meeting. Her husband’s career took them to the Panama Canal Zone where their first child Ted Jr. was born. They welcomed their second child Mariana shortly afterwards in El Paso, Texas followed by Marisela then Rita who were both born in Rockledge, Florida.

They moved back to southern New Mexico and raised their children in Delia’s cherished hometown of La Mesa.

Delia was deeply faithful in everyday life and found strength in her Catholic faith. She was an organist for the choir of San Jose Catholic Church, and she ran the nacho booth at the parish fiestas.

In her free time, Delia enjoyed traveling around the world with her husband, spending time with family and friends, and relishing quality time with her grandchildren who she proudly doted over and spoiled every available chance. The title she took most pride in was that of Nana.

Delia and Teodolo moved to the Albuquerque area in 2004 to be closer to family. To say that family and friends will miss her generosity, kindness, wisdom and sage advice greatly is an understatement.  Delia is survived by her son Ted Arellano Jr. (Amy), daughter Mariana Caruso (Ron), daughter Marisela Lucero (James), grandchildren Chris Flynn, Stephen Flynn, Angelica Stewart, Brianna Flynn, Gabriela Caruso, Deanna Lucero, Matthew Caruso, Vanessa Lucero, Teddy Arellano, and Ava Arellano along with great-grandchildren Colton, Madeline and Channing. She also leaves behind many treasured cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Teodolo and her daughter Rita Flynn.

The mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, August 30, 2024 at Saint Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico with rosary to be held at 9:30 AM followed immediately by mass. Burial will follow mass at Vista Verde Memorial Park in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.  Honorary pallbearers include her precious grandchildren, Ron Caruso, James Lucero, Bill Flynn and Amy Arellano.

The family would like to thank Delia’s caregivers Amy and Julia and the staff at Roadrunner Hospice including nurse Jaime, aide Janelle, and Dr. Suzanne Pinon for the attentive care provided to our mother over the past 11 months.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Delia’s name be made to Little Sisters of the Poor in Gallup, New Mexico, Wounded Warriors or the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.