Agapita "Pita" M. Santistevan

On the beautiful rainy spring morning of May 18, 2021, our Lord extended his arms through those showering clouds and retrieved a most precious image of him to the paradise of heaven.

Agapita Regina Martinez de Santistevan passed away peacefully at home among her beloved family.  Agapita was born in Taos on September 7, 1927 to Leocadio and Onofre Martinez, whom precede her in death, along with her siblings Eloy and Tito Martinez.  Also preceding her in death are many relatives and beloved friends.  Most noted is her husband of 65 years, Antonio Santistevan.  Those whom have been entrusted to carry on their legacy are their children Sylvia Torrez (Michael), Orlando Santistevan (Maria Elisabeth), Felipe Santistevan (Carmela Quinto), Christina Santistevan, Agnes Garcia (Andy), Diego Santistevan and special daughter Lupe Anaya; nephew Eloy Martinez (Martha), nieces Carlota Fisher and Carlyda Stribling; grandchildren Simon Torrez (Lisa Ann), Celso Torrez (Denise), Santana Montes (Jesus), Toby Barela, Antonio Locklear, Phyllis Garcia (Mario), Andres Garcia, Stephen Garcia (Jennifer) and Alicia Garcia;  great-grandchildren Simon Jr., Sheyenne, Xavier Torrez, Michael Gallegos, Nathanael, Jonathan, Annissa and Elijah Garcia, Emmanuel, Tony, Tiandra, Kamdun, Kylynn, and Jayce Locklear, Mateo Garcia, Mekhi Robinson, Issac, Nevaeh Torrez and Lucas Garcia; great-great grandchildren Makah and Braydin Locklear.

Agapita spent her childhood years mainly in Ranchos de Taos, as her parents established several businesses in the area.  At a young age she assisted in the grocery and mercantile store.  She attended and completed grade school at St. Francis Catholic school and after that graduation, her father surprised her with an enrollment at the Lorreto Catholic school for girls in Santa Fe, NM.  Those four years were some of the most memorable of her life.  She often noted how privileged her up bringing had been as her successful father adored her.  She excelled at school and was assigned to tutor students in math.  She graduated with honors.  Her father had recently passed, so she returned to Taos and the family business.  Antonio also worked at the family business where he met Agapita, they fell in love and married in 1949.

Agapita’s first love was the Lord, she was a devoted Catholic, daughter, sister, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend.  All whom knew her, loved her and she loved them.  Agapita was affiliated in the same location in the heart of Ranchos with different businesses for approximately 65 years.  Her working career also included being an accountant for JC Penny in Taos and a Postal Clerk for the U.S. Postal Service from which she retired.

Agapita was known for many outstanding qualities, such as her grandiose generosity to her church, San Francisco de Asís, Capilla de San Isidor, the community, her friends and especially her family.  Her wealth of knowledge, memory, candidness and her mastery as a cook, baker and heartfelt sincerity with unending love, remains with all whom knew this amazing person, whom the Lord let walk, Mother, influence, guide, instill humanity and Christian values to all whom she touched and loved.  We honor her return to her creator and will always cherish her stay and all the beautiful memories ingrained in us.  We thank you our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with her gift of life.

Rosary will be recited on Saturday May 22, 2021 at 9:15AM at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 10:00AM.  Burial will follow at the Santistevan Family Cemetery.

The family of Agapita Regina Martinez de Santistevan has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com