Adelina Quintana Obituary

Adelina M. Quintana, the compassionate and faithful matriarch of our Quintana and Martinez families, was born in her family home on March 14, 1924, in Cuartelez, NM, where she resided her entire life. On January 13, 2025, at the age of 100, eight weeks shy of 101, she was called home, after spending precious moments with her family and her beloved daughter Luella.

Adelina was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years (Antonio) Tony H. Quintana; her parents Ascencion R. and Esther F. Martinez; her only brother Rubel F (wife Laura) Martinez; her sisters Amada (husband Julian) Villarael, Rose Florence, Isabel (husband Juan) Montoya, Ermelinda Martinez and Dilia Martinez; her parent-in-law Casimiro and Maximiana Quintana and her dear friend Matilde Quintana.

She is survived by her children Dennis C (wife Diana), Gerald (Teresa), Raymond and Floyd (JoAnne) Quintana; daughters Doris (husband Casey) and Luella Quintana; her grandchildren Ronnie (wife Laura) Lovato, Christy (husband Simon) Saiz, Anthony (Shyann), Diego (Jessica), Mario (Josie), Armando, Michael (wife Kate), Monica, Raquel and Annette Quintana; great-grandchildren Silas, Hazel and Jack Saiz, Brandon, Isaiah, Mercedes Lovato, Sam, Sophia, Maya and coming baby Quintana; brother-in-law Gilbert Martinez and many relatives and friends.

Adelina’s primary school was across the road from her home. She lived through the enter Great Depression as the oldest of seven siblings, an experience that shaped her character. She excelled academically at Santa Cruz High School where she graduated Valedictorian in 1942. Upon graduation, she began a career with state government in Santa Fe.

Upon returning from WWII, Tony honored Adelina by presenting her with his silver US Army Air Corps flight wings and in 1949, Adelina married Tony in Santa Cruz Church. In 1951, they began their family of six. Luella was always Adelina’s main focus from the day Luella was born until Adelina took her last breath. She raised her children, she saw her grandchildren grow and now was enjoying her great-grandchildren. She joyfully celebrated Thanksgiving with most of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in 2024. As a farmer and rancher, she had many stories about cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits and all the chile she helped her family grow and how the cows made her life exciting. 

She enjoyed visiting her family wherever they were. She was especially proud attending graduations wherever they were, whether preschool, high school or PhD. She lived always setting an example of hard work, loving and caring for her family with a dash of humor.

Always a great cook, her family never missed a warm meal, three times a day, and now she rests. Adelina enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers. She canned, preserved and froze a variety of fruits and vegetables, grown by her family. 

She was a life-long member of the Cuartelez Sagrada Familia. Adelina was a very spiritual woman and devout Catholic. She passed on her deep faith to her family and instilled in them the values of Christian life. 

Services are at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, with Viewing at 9:30 am, Rosary at 10:00 am, with Mass to follow at 10:30 am. Internment at 2:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers are Ronnie Lovato, Diego, Mario, Armando, Michael and Anthony Quintana. Honorary Pallbearers are her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Godchildren, along with her special nieces Barbara Akes, Patty Garcia, Peggy Jimenez, Sennie Quintana and Adelina’s “brother’s son” Rubel Jr.

Thankyou to Father John Plans and Danny Sandoval for their weekly visits, as well as Father Sebastian Lee, Father Julio and Manny Chavez for their visits. Thank you to DeVargas Funeral Home, Amber Care Anna RN, Virginia, Christina and Nancy. 

Adelina M. Quintana's life was a testament to the power of family, faith, perseverance and a strong work ethic. He legacy will continue to inspire and guide her loved ones for generations to come.

The family of Adelina Quintana has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargsfuneral.com 505-747-7477