Corine L. Gallegos

Corine L. Gallegos, 101 of Vaughn, NM passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025 in Aztec, NM.

Born September 16, 1923 in Torreon, NM to Refugio and Antonia Lucero of the Lucero Brothers Ranches from Corona, NM, west and south to Pinos Wells, NM. She was the youngest of four children—Pete, Mary Ann, Juanita and Corine. Corine attended school in Cedarvale and Corona, where she graduated in 1941.

Raised on a working ranch, Corine worked briefly at Dubois Drugstore in Corona before moving to Vaughn with her sister Juanita—who by then was a school teacher there. Corine started her career working for A.E. Huntsinger at Citizens State Banks of Vaughn, Carrizozo and Estancia.

On October 19, 1946, Corine married Bennie Gallegos and raised three children—Jude, Inez and Louisa. Corine was active in the schools, as she was president of the PTA in Vaughn and active in her faith—she was a member of the Altar Society at St. Mary’s in Vaughn and in the Sacred Heart Society at St. Mary’s and at San Jose in Pinos Wells.

Corine is preceded in death by her parents, husband: Bennie, brother: Pete and sisters: Mary Ann and Juanita.

Corine is survived by her children: Jude (Diana) Gallegos, Inez (Alan) Carter and Louisa Gallegos, a grandson: Matthew Gallegos and great-grandchildren: Matthew Robert and Nathaniel as well as numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 29, 2025 beginning at 10am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn, with Rev. Timothy Meurer officiating.

Interment of cremains will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn in the family plot. Urn-bearers will be Matthew Gallegos, Mark Gallegos, Richard Gallegos, and Adolph Lucero. Honorary urn-bearers will be Alan Carter, Matthew Robert Gallegos, Nathaniel Gallegos, Alfred “Freddie” Gallegos, Sammy Lucero, Tommy Lucero, and Robert Tenorio.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.