Dolores Josephine Padilla 1937-2025 Dolores Josephine

Dolores Josephine Padilla 1937-2025 Dolores Josephine Padilla, 87, passed away in Belen, surrounded by her loving family on May 13, 2025. Born in Albuquerque on Sept. 29, 1937, she graduated third in her class from Belen High School. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother, who poured love into everything she did. Dolores began her career at Sandia National Laboratories, worked many years at Belen Consolidated Schools and co-owned Al's Styling Salon in Belen. A lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, she served as a Catholic Daughter, lector and padrino. She loved to travel, but her heart always brought her home to Belen, where she found joy in her faith, friendships and family. Dolores is preceded in death by her mother, Alicia Gurule; her father, Serapio "Samuel" Perez; her brother, Antonio "Tony" Tafoya; sister-in-law, Lois Tafoya; and nephew, Frank Tafoya. She is survived by her husband, Aurelio "Al" H. Padilla; daughter, Maria Alicia Cordova (Robert S. Cordova); son, Raul Padilla; and son, Carlo Padilla (Pamela Padilla); grandchildren, Micah Cordova (Andromyda Cordova), Jerah R. Cordova (Megan Malcom-Morgan), Trey Cordova (Kristina Hjertberg Cordova), Brianna Padilla, Joshua Padilla (Alexa Padilla), Damian "Shapes" Padilla, Alexandria Bailey (Patrick Bailey), Milagros Padilla and Diego Padilla; great-grandchildren, Liza Elena Cordova, Nico Serna, Valentino Aurelio Padilla, Antonio Padilla, Liam Bailey and Colton Bailey; nephew, Richard Tafoya; and niece, Alana Taylor. Pallbearers are Micah Cordova, Jerah R. Cordova, Trey Cordova, Joshua Padilla, Damian "Shapes" Padilla and Diego Padilla. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Tafoya and Tomas Padilla. Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Monday, June 2, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary's Catholic School, Belen, N.M. Please sign Dolores's online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.