Gertrude "Trudy" Tafoya

Gertrude “Trudy” Tafoya was born at midnight November 15/16, 1929. Her birthday was celebrated on the 16^th of November. Beloved by her family and so many. She was born to Eloy D. and Esther Vargas Trujillo in Santa Fe but grew up mainly in Taos.

She is preceded in death by her parents; in-laws; her husband Michael N. Tafoya; her five siblings; her daughter Lillian “Lyl” Oliver (†her husband Don); son Anthony C. Tafoya (†his wife Donna), grandson Michael Adam Clark-Oliver; great-granddaughter Tyler L. Jacks; and many dear cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Trudy is survived by her children Michel, Chuck (Cecilia), Johnny (†Bill), Joe “Arco”, Hank, Dani (Scott) and Beth; daughter-in-law Margaret A. Montoya; son-in-law James J. Montoya; grandchildren Amy, Mindi (Everett), Kris, David (Sarah), Nikki (Doug), Jason (Stacey), Andy (Heidi), Malyssa, Casey, Jacquelyn, Antoinette (Elias), Michael Paul (Deanna), Nick, Sarah (Donnell), Harlan (Amber), Makenna and Brian; 34 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; Goddaughter Rosella M. Garcia; many nieces, nephews, dear cousins, and lifelong friends and all of her children’s friends who loved her like their own; and her many fur baby grandchildren.  Family meant ALL to Trudy.

She worked various places throughout her life, some of which included as a soda fountain server at what is now Taos Mercantile on Taos Plaza, Bank of America in Los Angeles, CA, NM Veterans Administration and Ancianos, in Taos.  Trudy was the co-founder and very much involved in, as a member of PFLAG HIV/AIDS prevention efforts and was on the Speaker’s Bureau.  Trudy was a military wife who enjoyed sharing stories about her experiences, her loving childhood, and the many joys she shared as Mom, Grandma, and Maternal figure to many.  She cared for a few of her Tías after moving back to NM after her husband passed away. She took some college courses in Midlife with her eldest daughter Lyl.  Trudy enjoyed visiting, laughing, had a great sense of humor, cooking for and sharing meals with anyone who came by.  She always cared and was interested in how her loved ones were doing.  She enjoyed her life and was a consistent supporter of her grandchildren’s musical/band, school related, Performing Arts and sporting activities whenever it was possible for her to attend.

Trudy was a strong woman, with a strong faith which she trusted in, to get her through any challenging times.  She nurtured her loved ones as individuals, with unconditional love, and guidance.  She felt fortunate to be able to help others, however possible and was grateful for any help she ever received.

She had pure pride in her most cherished moments as a mom and grandma. We love you forever and always Grand Mom. Genuine, Devoted, Truly one of a kind.

Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 6pm in the Evergreen Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 10am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

The family of Gertrude “Trudy” Tafoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com