Merlinda Jean Sedillo

Merlinda (Merlie) was born on October 16th, 1941, in Albuquerque New Mexico. She lived in Albuquerque for most of her life except for 3 years from 1974-1977, when she lived in Morro Bay California.

Merlinda was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, Nana, auntie, cousin and friend. Merlinda made friends wherever she would go. She was outgoing, and friendly. She has been described by many as having a “Beautiful Soul”. 

Merlinda was a proud 1959 graduate of Albuquerque High School, where she was a “Bulldoggie” on the Drill team. She was warm and welcoming to everyone she met. She may have even called you her Hito, or Hita at some point. Merlie had many friends that she kept throughout her lifetime. 

She was adventurous, loved to travel, and there was never anything that she couldn’t do. She was a hard worker, entrepreneur, and a perfectionist. Merlinda was an artist who loved painting with oils and other media. She made several paintings and prints. Merlinda enjoyed making and doing things for others, she had a selfless spirit, and the most beautiful hand writing. Merlinda made signs, posters, cakes, centerpieces, outfits, quilts, crochet, macrame’, ceramics, and anything she could to help out for special occasions. 

Merlinda retired from Mountain Bell Phone Company after 30 years, where she was a Service Assistant Operator and Supervisor.  

She won Blue Ribbons at the New Mexico State Fair for both her Chile and Salsa. She started her own Chile and Salsa Business called “Merlinda’s Blue Ribbon Chile and Salsa,” and later changed the name to “Merlie’s Chile and Salsa,” which she sold in several local stores. She proudly ran this business for 20 years.

Merlinda is survived by Her daughter Norma Moran (Michael). Grandchildren Kenneth Baca, Celina Anton, (Matt), John Baker Jr., Elliana Moran, and Great-grandchild Caden Anton, her sister Angie Romero (Jimmy), brothers Andres Sedillo, Michael Sedillo, Luis Sedillo (Grace), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents Abel Sedillo and Celia “Sally” Sedillo, Paternal grandparents, Solomon and Anita Sedillo, maternal grandparents Victor Martinez and Cleofas Martinez, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, brother Abel Sedillo Jr., Nephews Stephen Sedillo, and most recently, Abel James Sedillo, and her son John Abel Baker.

Merlinda will be greatly missed by so many that loved her!

A Memorial Service for Merlinda will be held on Thursday, July 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel, 4001 Osuna Rd. NE 87109.