Andrea T Lucero

On May 9, 1933, on a ranch near Govenadór, New Mexico, Maria Andrea was born to Manuel and Asención Trujillo. She was to always love the northern New Mexico ranch she was born on.

She grew up in Lumberton with her four brothers and four sisters along with two nieces and a nephew. Tending to the cows and other chores and going to school, she lived a rural life in the big city of Lumberton, population about 300. The school and Church activities were the village life-line and they all shared everything - one very large Lumberton Family

She married her childhood Sweetheart, Carlos, on March 2, 1954. She honored the vow of 'till death do us part' and shared 55 years of marriage with him until he passed, a little over 10 years ago.

Her family was the mainstay of her entire life. Even while Carlos was away with his overseas military duties, she was consumed with her two children, Mike and Carla. Nevertheless she always stayed in contact with her parents, siblings and extended Lumberton family

Although she followed Carlos' military assignments, her passion, cooking, kept her and her family close to the traditions she grew up with. A fantastic cook, she kept her family linked to the traditional foods with tortillas, posole, and green chili stew. Not to forget, there were always pots and pots of frijoles, always with a bit of bacon - the original pork and beans.

As many of her generation did, she remembered baptisms, birthdays, anniversaries, and major and minor events of all of her close and extended family. Her children and grandchildren were spoiled to the extent she was able.

Travel was a part of her life. First as an Air Force wife. After Andrea and Carlos wed, they lived in Tucson where Michael was born. They then returned to New Mexico, where Carla was born in Albuquerque. Sacramento, California was next, then there were about 6 years in Topeka Kansas. Fortunately her sister Dalia lived in Topeka also, which made that assignment much easier. A short year in Denver lead to three years at Eielson AFB outside Fairbanks Alaska before retirement in Albuquerque. Finally in 1985 they settled in Bloomfield.

With Carlos now retired, Andrea was able to visit Finland for a few weeks with a lifelong friend she made while in Topeka, Helmi Pratt. Helmi was a native of Finland. Finland was the end of the world for a gal from Northern New Mexico.

Later, a trip to Spain for a relative's wedding was also eye-opening and challenging experience for her.

Coming back from Spain though, she said that New Mexico was really home for her.

Her kitchen was her domain and the gathering place for anyone who came to visit.

She was the best cook many of us knew. She loved to cook and she loved to eat.

No one left her home without some sort of edible gift, be it a stack of tortillas, bicochitos, or green chili stew. Around the holidays there were plenty of tamales, posole and empanaditas.

Andrea loved her Bingo. Between trips to the local casinos she and Carlos found time to make numerous trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin Nevada.

Most of all though, Andrea, Andie or Andrellita will be remember for her kind and sweet disposition.  Any one who spent the even the smallest time with her came away smiling and calm.

In her last years her hearing was failing, as was her eyesight. However, she accepted her diminution with grace. Although she was unhappy that she couldn't be home, she didn't stop smiling and being kind to the people around her. She especially appreciated the caring consideration of her care-givers. She was grateful for all the kindnesses showered on her and always tried to reciprocate with the same kindness and caring.

She will be missed because her sweetness  and goodness have gone.

However, we continue to hold the memories of a strong, quiet, kind and exceptional woman...

May she rest, at last, in peace.

There will be a Memorial service Saturday, August 3 at 10:00 a.m. at The Woodmark Senior Living, 7201 Prospect Place NE, Albuquerque.

Funeral services will be Monday August 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 307 N. Church St. Bloomfield, NM. Viewing at 8:30; Rosary 9:00; Mass 10:00. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery after Mass. Reception will follow at St. Rose of Lima Church in Blanco, NM. All are invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations to American Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated.