Sheila R. Candelaria

03/07/1972 – 07/25/2021

Albuquerque resident and former Farmington resident, Sheila R Candelaria, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 25, 2021.

Sheila is survived by her mother, Charlene Archuleta Zdunczyk and spouse Carl Zdunczyk, Rio Rancho, NM; father, Paul M Candelaria and spouse Belinda, Farmington, NM; sister Carla L Candelaria, Albuquerque, NM and half-sister Crystal Candelaria Israel, Farmington, NM; step brother, Paul Hernandez of Farmington.

Sheila was well known by many as one of “The La La’s”, a nickname affectionately given to her and her sister, Carla, many years ago by their late ‘uncle Stevie’ (Steve Archuleta).

Sheila will be remembered for her compassionate, charitable, amiable and charming nature. She could light up rooms upon entering them - always smiling, always jovial. Sheila loved and was loved. She never met a stranger. In her eyes, everyone was an equal. Sheila accepted everyone in all walks of life. She had no prejudices and made no judgments. She could also be feisty at times and fearless in defending her points of view. She was never afraid to speak her mind whenever necessary.

Sheila was always fascinated with electrical and communications wiring. For many years, she was employed in the field of telecommunications wiring and network technology. Her work can be seen in many businesses and residences throughout the Albuquerque metro area and in other parts of New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. She worked for Intel for several years.

Sheila is at peace now in the home the Lord has prepared for her, joyfully reunited with all our loved ones. She will be greatly missed by her family, numerous cousins and friends.

We will find consolation in all the beautiful memories you left us, Sheila. And we will smile and laugh through our tears.

The Rosary will be at 1:00 pm, followed by the funeral Requiem Mass at 1:30 pm on Friday August 13 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. 

We will also celebrate Sheila’s life with family and friends in Farmington, NM at a later date (TBD).