Lee Maes

Lee Maes was born in Las Nutrias, NM on January 20th, 1935, and returned to his heavenly home on April 24, 2022. Lee is preceded in death by his Wife, Estefanita Maes, Daughter Alice Jean Maes-Everett, Parents Felipe and Rufina Maes, Brothers David, Henry, and Reymundo Maes, and great-grandson Skylar Vigil.

Lee married the love of his life, Estefanita, in 1956, and they remained married for an incredible 65 years. They built their life together in Hernandez and Espanola, NM, and raised four daughters. Lee ran Cooks True Value in Espanola, NM for over 40 years, and had many side jobs including hauling vigas and selling wood and fruit. He was also an avid craftsman, and made many incredible pieces of jewelry, art, and furniture.

After retirement, they relocated to Albuquerque, NM, where Lee enjoyed spending time with family, experiencing their new community, and continuing his art projects. Lee spent his last few months together with his wife in their beautiful new home in Corrales, NM, enjoying their gorgeous gardens and their quiet, private sanctuary. They experienced a beautiful and epic love story, as Lee followed his wife in death just 15 days later. 

Lee is survived by his Daughter Rosalie Vigil and husband Norman, Daughter Josephine Zamora and husband Kenneth, Daughter Sandra Maes, Son-in-law Daniel Everett, Grandson Norman Lee Vigil and wife Abby, Grandson Thomas Vigil and wife Lisa, Granddaughter Andrea Martinez, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous siblings, relatives, and friends. 

Services to honor Lee will be held on May 11th, 2022 at San Jose Catholic Church in Hernandez, NM, beginning with a Rosary at 11:15am and a funeral mass at 12:00pm. The mass will be followed immediately by a joint burial for Lee and Estefanita Maes at the San Jose Catholic Church cemetery, and a reception in their honor.