Mary Lovato

Mary Alice Lovato, age 62, passed away at home on July 30, 2023, surrounded by her family. Until the end, she remained a force of love and generosity, offering her warm, gentle smiles to everyone around her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Alice Juarros, brother, Benjamin Juarros, sister, Rita Juarros, and her infant son, Steven Lovato.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years Larry, children: Joshua Lovato and wife Alex, Alicia Lovato and partner James, grandchildren: Kylo, Belle and Roman Lovato, siblings: Consuelo Valdez and husband Art, Margaret Reyes, Christina Griffin and husband Dudley, David Juarros and wife Lisa, and Sarah Juarros. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends who loved her dearly and who will carry her memory with them always.

Throughout her life, Mary was nothing short of jubilant. She was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a proud Valley Viking graduate. She had golden hair and lovely soft blue eyes. She was a nurturing daughter, sister, wife, mother, auntie, grandmother, and friend who honored her loved ones with an abundance of tenderness. Her quick wit and sense of humor made her a fabulous storyteller, and the way she recounted even the most mundane memories usually made her listeners laugh!

Some of her best stories involved her siblings or were about her teaching experiences. Mary was an exemplary early childhood educator whose patience and creativity were unmatched. Everywhere she went, children gravitated toward her because she was kind and never afraid of being a little goofy. If someone needed to lead a group of toddlers in the Hokey Pokey, Mary always volunteered to do it. No shame, only fun. Her grandchildren and great nieces adored her for her playfulness.

Mary also had a curious mind and courageous soul. She had many hobbies and interests, including biking, gardening, birdwatching, recycling, shopping at Costco, and fishing. Just a week before her passing, she was reeling in fish at the edge of a pond alongside her family in Red River. The trip demonstrated how Mary was determined to make the most of her moments, soaking up the details of the beauty surrounding her—the hum of bees in her backyard, her grandchildren’s laughter. One of her final messages to her family was, “Don’t forget how much I love you and how much I depend on you to take care of each other.” Like a true wisewoman, she recognized that goodness can be found all around and in the love we have for each other. May she rest well knowing her love will continue to guide her family through this world and the next one.

Mary’s life celebration will begin with a visitation on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. St Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church located at 3424 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 with a rosary to be recited at 5:30 p.m. Mass will take place on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. also at St Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church with a reception to follow at St. Therese Reception Hall.

Pallbearers will be Joshua, Christopher, James, Jarod, Isaiah, and Alejandro.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kylo, Belle, and Roman.