Maida A. Gomez

Maida A. Gomez, 73 of Santa Rosa, NM died Sunday, September 23, 2012 at her home following an illness. She was born in Santa Rosa on July 10, 1939 to the home of Pelagio and Estella (Ortega) Anaya. She attended school in Santa Rosa and as a teenager worked for the Pecos Theatre. Maida married Juan Christobal Gomez on February 16, 1957 in Santa Rosa. She traveled across the U.S. and Europe wherever her husband was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. They also spent 18 months in England that she enjoyed very much. Maida and Chris returned to Santa Rosa following his Air Force retirement in 1976. She was the first female elected to the Santa Rosa Consolidated School Board. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Daughters. Maida enjoyed creating arts and crafts, she enjoyed sewing, making puzzles and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Maida is preceded in death by her parents. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be missed by her husband of 55 years Chris Gomez of the home in Santa Rosa, a daughter Pattie Stark and husband Craig of Portales, NM, a son Phillip Gomez and wife Shari of Norfolk, VA; two grandchildren Jared Cook of Clovis and Stacy Ciancio and husband Les of Clovis. Two great-grandchildren Allison and Alexzander Ciancio of Clovis. Also surviving are her siblings, two brothers Delfy Anaya and wife Linda of Rio Rancho, NM, Victor Anaya and wife Anna of Santa Rosa ,two sisters Belle Martinez of Santa Rosa, and Gloria Spears and husband Alvin of Albuquerque. Other survivors are her many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church led by the Catholic Daughters. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Thomas Kayammakal officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Gilbert W. Romero, Joe Eddie Martinez Jr., Jared Cook, Lorenzo Sanchez, Richard Gomez, and Jacob Chavez. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (575) 472-3369.