Mary Magdalena Benavidez

Mary (affectionately known as Maggie) age 75, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, January 23, 2021 after a brief battle with Covid. She was born in Las Vegas, NM on May 16,1945 to Albert and Eugenia (Jean) Romero.

She attended West Las Vegas schools and Luna Vocational Technical Institute where she received her Nursing certification in 1972.  She practiced at local hospitals, served as Dr. Michael Lopez's Nurse, and worked with private patients doing home healthcare services before retiring.

Maggie was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 1991 and was in remission until 2018.  When the cancer returned, she donned her warrior garb and fought the battle with pride and dignity until the very end.  Everyone who cared for her during her years of treatment would always say that she was sweet and never complained.  She loved her nurses and her Oncologist, Dr. Preya Wisner, at Southwest Women's Oncology, and always praised them for their care and compassion. 

Maggie did not have children of her own but was a mother figure to all her nieces and nephews who she adored.  She also had two fur babies who she loved very much Sam, and her dog of 14 years Sterling who died 3 weeks prior to her passing. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Jean Romero, brothers Clarence and Charlie Romero, and sisters Sylvia Valdez, and Alice Lujan (who passed hours after Maggie).

Maggie is survived by her sister Mary Helen Bustos (Robert) of Albuquerque, NM,  brothers Marvin Romero (Georgiana) of Placitas, NM, Gilbert Romero of Albuquerque, NM, and brother-in-laws Meliton Lujan Jr. of Las Vegas, NM, Alfred Valdez of Chihuahua, MX and a special niece who cared for her during her final months, Doraine Rivera, of Albuquerque, NM.  She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews  -  some of whom she baptized and many who she helped care for.  She will always be remembered by the love, compassion, and generosity that she showed us all.  Rest in Peace Maggie...Fly with the Angels.

Services for Mary Benavidez will be held at a later date with a private burial afterwards.