Christella M Vigil

Christella M. Vigil 83, lifetime resident of Santa Fe, passed away peacefully in her home on September 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Christella was born on October 27, 1940, in Santa Fe, NM to Juan Jose and Juanita L. Gonzales. She is preceded in death by her parents Juan Jose and Juanita L. Gonzales, brother Isidro Gonzales, her beloved children Cynthia Medrano, and Eric Muirhead. She is survived by her children Annette Pacheco, Dinah Spencer, Eddie Medrano, Robert Medrano, Jannel Vigil (Edward), and Jonathan Gonzales. Grandchildren Reyes Pacheco, Marcos Pacheco (Natalie), Denise Britt (Brian), Sebastian Romero, Andrew Medrano, and Isabella Sanchez. Great Grandchildren Sharlett Bravo, Brian and Bryce Britt. Brother’s Joe B. Gonzales (Niki), Donald Gonzales, sister’s Theresa Piatt (Ray), and Linda Vieira. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, Las Comadres Especiales, and friends.

Christella had a wonderful life growing up on the beautiful east side of Santa Fe. Where she attended parochial and public school and received her degree in Social Work at the College of Santa Fe. She was a State of New Mexico retiree. Where she worked as a Probation and Parole Officer, Investigator, and Social Worker. Christella has always been dedicated to her community. She was a “True Santa Fe Cina!” She volunteered at the Santa Fe Senior Services, ECHO Commodity Food Program, Bienvenidos Outreach, volunteered at her grandson’s schools, and volunteered as a poll worker. She also was generous with herself, giving advice, a place to stay, money, giving her love, prayers, and time. She helped her family and many people in our community. Whether it was helping to pay a bill, cleaning, volunteering to help, and taking food to those in need.  She was instrumental in securing $250,000.00 for the creation of the Santa Fe Manderfield Elementary School Early Head Start Program and library. Throughout her life she was involved in the following organizations: Beta Sigma Phi, New Mexico State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Chairperson of Advisory Board of Head Start; Board member of Community Action; President of PTA for Manderfield Elementary School; Vice President of PTA for Manderfield Elementary School; Chairperson of La Puerta Board of Directors; Member of the Fraternal Order of Police; President of Image of Santa Fe, Governor’s Career Development Steering Committee 1985; New Mexico Corrections Worker Association; Member of Women’s Democratic Party; and was a Licensed Foster Parent.

Christella had many accomplishments throughout her life. As a single parent she was no stranger to struggles or hardships however she was able to overcome them and taught her children how to gracefully overcome adversity and work hard. Everything she did was with a purpose for a worthy cause that she accomplished with fearless determination.

Christella was well known for her cooking and baking. She loved to cook and when you went to visit her you never left her home hungry and she would always send you home with a goodie bag for later. She loved to host and attend gatherings and parties. You could always count on her to get the party started. When planning a Wedding or baby shower she would always know what to do, who to call, where to go and before you knew it everything was taken care of. She was a woman of undying faith in God, and she loved “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” participating and hosting the Christmas season novena rosaries at her home with Las Comadres Especiales.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024. Schedule is as follows: 

 9:30 a.m. Rosary and Mass starting at Santa Maria De La Paz Catholic Church

12:00 p.m. Graveside services at Rosario Cemetery Reception will take place 

immediately after graveside services at Grace Community Church located at 2247 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM.

Pallbearers - Sebastian Romero and Ricky Aguirre. Honorary pallbearers - Reyes Pacheco, Marcos Pacheco, Jonathan Gonzales, Brian Britt, and Bryce Britt.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to family, friends, Las Comadres Especiales Presbyterian Hospice, HME Specialists, Pueblo of Pojoaque, Santa Fe Funerals and Cremations, and Rosario Cemetery for their care, support, prayers, love, and generous donations.