Rufina Griego

Rufina Griego (age 97), passed away peacefully in the home she was born in on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband Isidro Griego, father Miguel Gurule, mother Margarita Gutierrez Gurule, brother Miguel Gurule, Jr., sister Perfilia Romero, daughter-in-law Yolanda Griego, and grandson Elias Griego. Sadly, she was the first of 3 children out of 11 children to survive past the age of 4.

Rufina is survived by her children: Maria Elena Magourilos (Frank), Adelita "Adele" Montoya (Mike), Gerard "Jerry" Griego (Marisela), and Florentino "Terry" Trujillo (Rosa). She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Frances Gurule. She was blessed to love and to be loved by her many nieces and nephews.

Born in Albuquerque on October 2, 1927, Rufina was raised between Albuquerque and Los Lunas. She spent many cherished years in El Cerro (Los Lunas, NM) embracing the beauty of life’s simple pleasures (working on the ranch and farm, raising turkeys, eating too many sweets at her mother’s tiendita, hanging out around the orchards, learning prayers from her grandmother, and playing with her two surviving siblings (Perfiia and Miguel).

Rufina graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1947. Her talent and passion for art and drawing were evident in the vibrant sketches that adorned her home and the homes of those she loved. She was awarded a scholarship to attend an art school out of state, but she couldn’t/wouldn’t leave her beloved home and state. Her hands, always tender from tending to her garden, were equally skilled at creating beauty on canvas and in the soil.

Her friend, Patsy, introduced her to her brother Isidro Griego. When he went to meet her parents, her father asked him what his intentions were. His response was to marry his daughter within 6 months. His love for her and his persistence paid off on October 15, 1955. They shared a great love and respect for one another until his passing on June 22, 1978. She remained forever faithful to his memory and never remarried.

A devout Catholic, Rufina’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Church and contributed time and energy to many organizations, including the Altar Rosary Society, Los Guadalupanos, the Blue Army, and the Sacred Heart Society; as well as making sandwiches for the homeless where her presence was a source of inspiration. Her collection of santos, a testament to her devotion, was a treasured aspect of her faith, as was her special reverence for Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is comforting to our family that she passed away on Thanksgiving, as she got to celebrate the heavenly banquet with Jesus and countless loved ones. November 28 is also the feast day of St. Catherine Laboure. She is the patron saint of the elderly, the infirmed, and the Miraculous Medal.

Rufina’s definition of success was rooted in her family and the legacy of her faith. She was a grandmother and great grandmother, not only to her own grandchildren but also to 57 foster children whom she and Isidro loved and cared for from 1963 until Isidro’s passing in 1978. Years later she worked as a foster grandma for the City of Albuquerque where she was featured in an article in the Albuquerque Journal, and affectionately given the name “Grandma Griego.” She had a great love for children and welcomed them into her heart and home with open arms. Her life was a testament to the power of unconditional love and nurturing the spirit of community.

Those who knew her will remember her as a loving, generous, faith-filled, and passionate “mamasita” to all. Her life was a tapestry woven with the threads of her beliefs, her love for her family and friends, and her commitment to the values she held dear. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness and in the memories cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know and to love her.

As we bid farewell to Rufina, we celebrate her life lived with purpose and passion, and a life that was a true reflection of her love for God and for her family. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the light of her spirit will forever illuminate the paths of those she loved. Special thanks to Rosa and Jeanene who lovingly helped so much to care for her, as well as her nurses Lindsey and Jessica.

Rufina's Life Celebration details will begin with a Visitation on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St. SW, 87102. Final Viewing will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 8:00am at St, Francis Xavier Catholic Church located at 820 Broadway Blvd. SE, 87102. Rosary will be recited at 8:30am. Mass will begin at 9:00am. Rufina will be laid to rest at 10:30am at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, 87102.

Pallbearers will be Isidro Griego, Christopher Montoya, Gabriel Montoya, Mike Gurule, Joel Trujillo, and Elijah "Domo" Trujillo.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Florentino Trujillo, Jr., Vicente Padilla, and Jeanene Garcia.