Beverly Ann Padia

Beverly Ann Padia, 57, of Aztec, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 1, 2011, in Farmington. She was born Oct. 10, 1953, in Henderson, Nev., to Priscilla Padilla and Elmer T. Pilon. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Juan and Eloise Padia, who raised her, and Louis and Sara Padilla; father, Andy Padilla; and sister, Priscilla K. Padilla. She is survived by her mother, Priscilla Padilla; brother, Michael (Michelle Hawkins); sisters, JoAnn Schmaltz (Eric Schlotthauer), Michelle Padilla and Aimee (Ian) Saunders; nieces, Tara (Steve) VanStrein and Krystal Padilla; nephews, CJ and Derek Schlotthauer; great-nieces, Alyssa Saunders and Mahleah Padilla; great-nephews, James Padilla, Zachary Stuckman, Gabriel Padilla, Joren and Mason VanStrein; many friends, cousins, aunts and uncles. Beverly attended Special Education School in Aztec for three years. From there she felt time to go and explore and worked in the Wood Shop and other areas at Shield Industries for 15 years. She received honor as "Person of the Year" in 1988 from United Way. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2002, and started progressing in 2008. She enjoyed living in a group home with her two roommates in Farmington, and resided with them for eight years until her passing. Prior to the onset of Alzheimer's, Beverly enjoyed telling new friends about her family memories. She was an Aztec native and knew many of the landmarks around town. She liked taking rides to Aztec and being a tour guide to those with her. She was very friendly and social and was never afraid to talk with and meet new people. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh with her jokes and teasing. She had many interests including reading, writing letters, crocheting, watching TV, singing, dancing, and arts and crafts, especially her scrap booking. She loved to go grocery shopping and had the will to always be helpful in many tasks. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Aztec for many years and enjoyed coffee and donuts after Mass. She loved country music and was blessed with a trip to Las Vegas, Nev., with Mom and Dad to see Reba McEntire and also to Albuquerque to see Alan Jackson. She knew the words to many country songs and her favorite artists were George Strait, Shawnia Twain, Brooks and Dunn and Bryan White. She also attended many country concerts at McGee Park. She will forever be remembered as our "SPECIAL" child, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Rosary will be led by the Legion of Mary. Father Joe Blonski and Father Thomas Pudota are the presiding celebrants. Pallbearers are Danny Lopez, Louie Sandoval, Marcy Martinez, Jim Wuerzback, Don Trujillo and Mario Chavez. Honorary pallbearers are Berto Martinez, Joe S. Martinez, Johnn Saiz, Louie Gomez, Eric Schlotthauer, Ronnie Atchley, Ed Marquez, Joe Sanchez, Raymond Padilla, James Padilla, Zachary Stuckman, and all her Mosaic peers. Beverly's favorite colors were pink and purple. We encourage friends and family to wear bright colors. This will help us celebrate her colorful life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beverly's name to the United Way, special needs organizations of your choice. Special thanks to Dr. Margaret Cassidy, Guardian Angel Home Health Hospice, Excel Case Management, Cindy Barnett, Cathy Saxton, Kathy Bradley, Wanda Robinson, Irene Garcia, Marie Begay, Refina Canyon, Cindy King, Kathryn Oliver and the entire Mosaic staff. Arrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec: 405 S. Main Ave. Aztec, NM 87410 (505) 334-9332.