Josie Alberta Santistevan

Josie Alberta “Tita” Santistevan, 86, of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by family and held in grace.

Born on May 12, 1939, at home in Rodarte, New Mexico, Tita was the beloved daughter of Emelina Romero, who raised her to be a woman of strength, compassion, and purpose. It was Emelina who instilled in her the faith, discipline, and sense of service that would guide Tita’s life. Her biological father, Alberto Cordova, passed away in a mining accident before her birth. When Tita was a very young child, Alfredo Romero lovingly stepped into her life, providing her with a father’s love and becoming a guiding hand throughout her life.

From a young age, Tita carried within her both courage and curiosity. At just fifteen, she left home to attend school with the Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she deepened her education and faith. She graduated from Taos High School in 1958, already demonstrating the independence and resilience that would define her journey.

On April 30, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Esiquiel “Zeke” Santistevan, beginning a lifelong partnership that spanned sixty-six years. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, prayer, and adventure. They shared a love of travel and discovery, exploring the world side by side.

Tita’s life wove together a tapestry of places, people, and purpose. In Santa Fe, she welcomed her first child, Dominic, in 1961. Her journey then led her to El Paso, where she worked for the Electric Company, and later to Roswell, where she guided students in the admissions and counseling office at the Indian Business School. It was there, in 1971, that she and Zeke opened their hearts and home to their daughter, Danielle, a blessing that completed their circle of family and love.

Her most distinguished chapter began in 1973, when she joined the United States Secret Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For nearly three decades, she served with honor, advancing to the position of Regional Office Manager and making significant contributions to the development of the agency’s administrative operations manual. Known for her brilliance and calm professionalism, she became a trusted interpreter and cultural bridge, teaching federal agents “street Spanish” at the training academy in Artesia and assisting in high-stakes investigations. During her tenure, she had the rare opportunity to meet several U.S. Presidents, moments she spoke of with quiet pride and deep humility.

After retiring from the Secret Service in 2001, Tita continued her lifelong commitment to service and education through the Albuquerque Public Schools, where she worked with the Superintendent of Summer School until 2003. In this role, she brought the same professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail that had defined her federal career. Even in retirement, Tita viewed every opportunity as a chance to give back, mentor others, and stay connected to the community she loved.

Beyond her many professional accomplishments, Tita’s heart was forever anchored in home, faith, and creativity. She was a talented seamstress, crocheter, cook, and crafter, pouring love into every stitch and every meal, passing these traditions tenderly to her daughter and granddaughter. She was known for the comfort and laughter that filled her kitchen. Her hands were rarely still as she was always creating beauty simply for the joy of it; everything she touched carried her quiet grace and care.

But perhaps her greatest gift was the way she taught her family and loved one's compassion through her quiet, steadfast example. Her kindness reflected the grace of her faith; she showed everyone who knew her how to see others with empathy, to listen with open hearts, and to believe in their own power to make the world a gentler place. Her humor was quick, her wit keen, and her hospitality boundless. Tita welcomed everyone with warmth and sincerity, creating a home that overflowed with love, laughter, and the light of her faith.

A devout Catholic, Tita was an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, where she found deep fulfillment in Cursillo, Marriage Enrichment, Engaged Enrichment, Women’s ACTS, and Women of the Word ministries. Her faith was not something she spoke of lightly; it was something she lived each day, in the way she listened, served, and loved.

Tita was preceded in death by her parents, Alfredo and Emelina Romero; her biological father, Alberto Cordova; and her mother-in-law, Eva Santistevan-Cortez.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Esiquiel “Zeke” Santistevan; her children, Dominic Santistevan and Danielle Santistevan; her cherished grandchildren, Andre Santistevan and Isabella Santistevan; her brothers, Alfredo “Tommy” Romero (Dila) and Paul Robert “Bobby” Romero (Shirley); and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who were blessed by her presence.

Funeral services will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM, on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date in Rodarte, New Mexico.

Arrangements are being handled by Daniels Family Funeral Home, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.