Wilhelmina Ruth Paupaw

  Wilhelmina (“Mina”) Williams Galliego-Paupaw reached the end of her fully lived and vibrant earthly life on October 15, 2025, at the age of 92 while surrounded by family in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  Mina, also known lovingly as “Nanny,” was born on February 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to Percy Galliego and Ruth Daniels. She graduated from Prospect Heights High School before attending Pratt Institute of Arts in New York and being commissioned as the first woman of color to contribute art for the pediatric care unit at Jamaica Hospital in the New York City borough of Queens.

  On May 17, 1952, Mina married Army Sergeant Major Frederick Paupaw, who was just beginning his 30-plus-year Army career, and raised their eight children while marking her love, service, and dedication to her family. After raising her family in New York City, art would become Mina’s lifelong passion. Mina eventually made her way to New Mexico, where she delighted in calling home for over 20 years in Las Cruces, before moving to Albuquerque in 2020 to remain close to her granddaughter, Simmone Contreras, and great-grandchildren, Fabia and Liam Contreras.

  Mina was a devoted mother, godmother, proud grandmother, and friend to so many and whose trademark smile will remain unforgettable. She will be remembered for joy in the simple pleasures, by her warmth, and the love she poured. Above all, Mina was a devout Catholic. During her final moments, she was comforted and entered eternal life during prayer of the rosary. She is the true meaning of grace. Her legacy of faith, endearing strength, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

  Mina is preceded in death by her mother and father; brothers: Oliver Galliego, Don Daniels, Eric Daniels, Wilbur Daniels; sisters: Margie Sharpe, Belva Anderson, Venice Galliego-Snead, Shirley Marshall, Edna Brown; and daughter, Annette Paupaw. She is survived by her seven children: Monique Paupaw of New Mexico, Michelle Paupaw, Adrienne Helfand, and Anthony Paupaw of North Carolina, David Paupaw and his wife, Gai, of New York, Bernadette Trinidad and her husband, Joseph, of North Carolina, and Dominick Paupaw and his wife, Vernadette, of New Jersey; and sisters: Mona Lisa Logan, Norma “Sandy” Jones, and Marsha Daniels of Virginia. Mina leaves behind a host of both grand and great-grandchildren and so many other family members and dear friends.

A special thank you to the wonderful nursing home staff at The Suites Rio Vista for the kindness, loving care, and friendship so freely given to my grandmother Mina, and to Legacy Hospice for the added compassionate care and support during our final weeks.

A rosary for Mina will be held on October 24th, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114.