Telesfora Rios

Telesfora (Bo) Saavedra Rios, 82, a devout Roman Catholic, passed away peacefully at her home in Socorro, NM, on the early morning of May 25, 2021.  She was born in Tokay, NM, on June 14, 1938, to Jose I Saavedra and Nepumusena Gabaldon Saavedra.  Telesfora married Feliciano (Felix) Rios in 1975.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 37 years, Felix; her brother, Estevan Saavedra, brother, Jose Saavedra; brother, Antonio Saavedra, and his wife, Virginia; brother, Louis Saavedra, and his wife, Gail; and her sister, Vidal Saavedra Romero, and her husband, Fabian.  She is survived by her loving sister, Frances Saavedra LaBelle, and her husband, Joe, of Corrales, NM, and by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Although Telesfora had suffered some health-related setbacks in recent years, she did not let her health keep her from the great devotion to her faith.  Telesfora began her devotion to her faith from an early age, and it had guided her throughout her life.  Telesfora committed her last days, rosary in-hand, praying to the Lord for the eternal life in heaven of her recently deceased niece, Jeanne Romero Gacanich.  Telesfora had no children of her own, but she had enormous pride in and love for her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, as if they were her own children.

Telesfora made her career as a highly respected and regarded teacher for the handicapped.  After receiving her Master’s degree, from Temple University, Telesfora became a tireless advocate and champion for those with handicaps or disabilities to be taught within the mainstream public education system.  Many Socorro families through the years were greatly impacted by her compassion for and dedication to teaching the children in her community.

Telesfora gave her life in service to the San Miguel Catholic Church and the members of the parish in Socorro, NM.  As an extraordinary minister of the Holy Communion, she and her husband, Felix, visited the residents of the Good Samarian Village in Socorro, weekly, for many, many years.  Telesfora was a longtime member of the Legion of Mary.  For over twenty years, Telesfora hosted the Eucharistic Prayer Vigil for Peace held at the Trinity Site, the location of the first atomic bomb test explosion at White Sands Missile Range, NM.

Telesfora will be dearly missed by the many friends and family who deeply loved her.  The family is very grateful for the support and excellent service by Presbyterian Home Healthcare and Hospice nurses.  The family is most thankful to all Telesfora’s friends that personally gave of themselves through the years to always ensure that she was well cared for and supported.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Daniels Mortuary of Socorro.   The Rosary and Mass will be celebrated on June 4, 2021, beginning at 9:30 am, San Miguel Catholic Church.  Internment will follow at La Sagrada Familia Cemetery in Lemitar, NM.