Julia Saavedra

Saavedra, Julia

 Julia Saavedra beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away Saturday, December 17, 2022 in her warm and loving home. Her husband, Chris Saavedra, refused to place her in a nursing home and provided loving care for his wife of 69 years. Through Julia’s eyes and soul, she nurtured happiness and joy, as her daughters, Loretta, Christine, and Geraldine, along with her granddaughters, Val, Mandy, Klena, and Marisa, and on occasion her daughter-in-law, Martha, had the privilege and honor to bathe, feed, and care for this remarkable woman. Her son’s Chris and Manuel would help with light housekeeping, yard work, and every Saturday, Chris would bring burritos for everyone, and special food treats for mom. Manuel was there at least on a daily basis to do any home repairs, and to keep Mom and Dad company. They say Alzheimer's is the long goodbye, yet there was nothing good about it. Mother was so intelligent with her quick wit with an incredible sense of humor, yet it was not easy to see her suffer in a prison of confusion that eventually affected her body and organs. Thanks to anyone not mentioned that helped us during this journey.

Julia was born on February 4, 1936 in Barelas in Albuquerque to John and Trinidad Shaw. Julia was the second child of four. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through high school. She was employed as a Foster Grandparent, Teacher’s Aide at Navajo Elementary School. She worked one on one with bilingual, monolingual, and special needs children by assisting them to build character and to excel in their studies.

Julia was kind and caring and she enriched the lives of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children: daughter, Geraldine Herrera and husband, Joe Herrera, daughter, Loretta Gonzales and husband, Ron Gonzales, son, Chris Saavedra Jr. & wife, Pauline Saavedra, son, Manuel Saavedra and wife, Martha Kelly, and daughter, Christine Gutierrez. She had ten grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She also is survived by her sister, Lilliam Mendoza.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Trinidad Shaw, her brothers, Frank Sr. & John Shaw, and her daughter, Juanita Saavedra (who passed shortly after birth).

The pallbearers will be her grandsons: Isacc Gutierrez, Jacob Gonzales, Jeremy Saavedra, Christopher Saavedra, along with her great grandson, Pablo Aragon Herrera, and her godson, Marcelino F. Saavedra, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be her sons Chris Saavedra Jr., Manuel Saavedra, and her great grandson, Marciano Gonzales.

Services will be held at Holy Family Church at 562 Atrisco Dr. SW, 87105 on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. The viewing will be at 8:00 AM, Rosary at 8:30 AM, and Mass at 9:00 AM. Interment at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery, 2957 Arenal Rd. SW, 87121. Celebration of Life Reception at Holy Family Church Reception Hall at noon after the Burial.