Leanor A. Baca

Baca,Leanor A.                                                                                                            
91, passed away peacefully and walked through Heavens golden gates on Sunday, September 11, 2016. She was born on April 2, 1925 to Salvador and Felicita (Gomez) Anaya in San Antonio, NM.  In 1945 she married the love of her life, Rogerio G. Baca. Their marriage was blessed for 61 years until his passing in 2006. They built their lives and home one adobe (literally) at a time on a foundation of love, faith, and hope. Together they left a legacy of how life should be lived and how to love and remain faithful in all times. They lived each day to the fullest.  Their home here in Socorro, where it all began, is and will always be the center and the heart of the Baca Family. Leanor was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother and cared deeply for her family. She was a very crafty lady, and sewing was one of her greatest passions. She handmade her kids clothes, anything from the fashionable big bell bottom pants for Maria to that special blue skirt for Ramona. She made dresses, blouses, blankets, and even some aprons for her great granddaughters. Lugie was blessed with Leanor’s sewing talents and will carry on the memory of her beautiful work. Larry and Ramona also inherited her love and talent in crafts.  Leanor was an amazing cook, she always had homemade tortillas and you never left her home with an empty tummy. When the kids were younger, every Sunday, after the movies, there were always hamburgers or Frito pies followed by rides to the Bosque and the family swimming hole. Cotton or Pinon picking days weren’t so bad either because mom always had a good lunch ready right on time. The kids can still remember how she would sing, “Picky, Picky Picky” on those warm sunny days. Her grandkids, especially, “Gordo” will never forget her famous biscochitos with frosting at Christmas time, the ones she kept in her special cookie jar. Rogerio and Leanor loved listening to music and dancing, especially Spanish music. Lugie remembers grandma teaching her the Bristol stomp, mashed potatoe and the twist. Darlene and Monica cherish their wedding photos and remember grandpa and grandma cutting a rug at their receptions. Leanor enjoyed playing B-I-N-G-O and was good at it. Sal, Rosie, Linda, Julie and grandma would often visit the DAV for their weekly games. Although through the years, her hearing, sight, and strength began to wither, oh no, not her bingo skills, she was sharp as a whistle when it came to her game. Maria remembers her love for yard sales and flee markets, they would make a list of all, usually about 30 yard sales, on any given Saturday morning, and yes, Mom had to visit every single one and most of the time found a special treasure at every single one. As time carried on, some things like cooking and sewing became difficult, but Leanor found new hobbies, like making yo yo crafts and even coloring hundreds of coloring books. She was always busy and always content. Grandma was a quiet woman, humble and kind, but she said so much with her eyes and hugs. She was witty with her jokes and she occasionally caught you off guard, by gently tucking her thumb under her fingers with a grin from ear to ear. She always ended every visit with “Come Again” and a gentle hug. She may not have always kept us all straight but she knew each and every one of us, 10 children, 21 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, and 15 great great grandchildren. They say when one star burns out, another star is born, Jesus knew that grandma was worth her weight in gold and so this year our family was blessed with beautiful baby twin girls, Laycee and Kaycee, whom she never got to meet but we know she will be their guardian angel from above. Mom and Dad were blessed with having Lucilla to be their angel here on earth, caring for them day in and day out. Sal kept them on their toes, always bringing laughter and smiles to each new day. She did all the chores inside and outside the home, all the cooking, medical care and don’t forget all the cleaning and daily rearranging of the house. After Grandpa’s passing, Lucilla is what kept grandma’s heart from breaking into pieces and for this our family will always be grateful.  Linda was not technically Leanor’s daughter, but they had an unbreakable bond like she did with all of her other kids. Mom loved all of her family more than life itself. Lauren, Julie, Antonio and Desirae were “Little Big Grandma’s” daily dose of Joy and she looked forward to their visits. On the day of grandma’s passing, Des looked around the room, and with tears in her eyes assured everyone “everything is ok” just the way grandma always did. Through all of life’s good times and even the struggles, trials and triumphs, Leanor was devout in her faith. She prayed and always had a special rosary close by. She was a faithful member of San Miguel Catholic Church and received her gifts as her goddaughter; Annie would make her visits with communion often. Leanor is survived by her loving children, Rosie Paz and late husband, Johnny; Lucilla Baca; Ramona Romero and husband, Henry; Lugarda Sefcovic and fiancé Ramon; Larry Baca and wife, Linda; and Eleanor Marie Woodard and husband, Donnie; daughter in law, Dorothy Baca; and God daughters, Annie Anaya and Dora Zamora.“Little big grandma” will be greatly missed and forever cherished by all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rogerio; her sons, Joe, Gilbert, Sefie, and Eddie Baca, two sisters, two brothers and her grandson, Eddie Baca. A Holy Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 8:30am at the San Miguel Catholic Church, 301 El Camino Real, Socorro. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9 am. Internment will be held in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Janet Paz, Monica Benavidez, Darlene Vaiza, Julie Baca and Desirae Jaramillo, Loren Woodard, and Bryahna Baca. We must always Pray, knowing in our hearts she is just away. She walks besides us every day  unseen and unheard but always near, still loved, missed and very dear. We know this is not good bye, for you never said those words, you simply said “come again” and when it is our time to go, we know you will be there at Heaven’s gate simply inviting us in…To leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.  Leanor’s care has been entrusted to:                                                      
Daniels Family Funeral Services                                    
309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801                                                                                                        835-1530