Jennie Inez (Gallegos) Mascarena 1934-2025 Jennie Inez

Jennie Inez (Gallegos) Mascarena 1934-2025 Jennie Inez (Gallegos) Mascarena, a lifelong resident of Belen, peacefully joined her loved ones in heaven on March 14, 2025. Jennie is a graduate of Belen High School, class of 1965. She retired in 1998 after 33 years with Presbyterian and Belen General Hospital. She began working at Belen General Hospital in her senior year of high school. She began as an office assistant but decided she wanted to be a nurses' assistant, where she tended to many local residents as her patients. She also worked with Valley Ambulance for two years. She worked in physical therapy for Presbyterian and was known for her special massages and exceptional people skills. Jennie enjoyed volunteering at Our Lady of Belen Fiestas as a member of the fiesta committee for many years. She did the decorating of booths and music stage. She was named "Fiesta Queen" by her brother, Lawrence. She never missed the fiestas, even in 2024 after her stroke, she was there for one day. Fiestas will not be the same without her. Jennie was an award-winning chile champion. She won numerous awards throughout the years. She was especially proud of her fiesta awards for her chile recipes and winning a chile contest over Salo Garcia as well as other numerous awards throughout the county. Her last award was Best of Show at the 2024 Valencia County Fair. Jennie was known for baking her famous delicious breads for receptions, fundraisers and gifts. She never expected anything in return. She always said God gave her a gift and she wanted everyone to enjoy it. Jennie was the best cook and could make anything. She was known to taste any restaurant's specialty dish and quickly prepare it at home, which many times tasted the same or better. She was especially proud of her pineapple recipe being featured in a national magazine "American Profile." She traveled around the state with her son, Bryan, and husband, Artie, to music award festivals. She was well known to many New Mexican musicians. In December 2017, Jennie received the greatest gift when her precious grandson, Chris, was born. She struggled with numerous health issues throughout the last 15 years, however, when Chris was born, her life had new meaning. She devoted her life to making him happy. They enjoyed a special bond that many people don't experience in their lifetime. Her last words to Bryan as he left the hospital were, "Please make sure to take care of Chris for me." As ill as she was, she would tell friends and family, I need to continue fighting this for Chris. Jennie was a warrior, strong in spirit until the end when one of the biggest hearts around stopped beating. Jennie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur "Artie" Mascarena; her parents, Jose and Mercedes Gallegos; her brother, Lawrence Gallegos; and sister, Shirley Baca. She was also preceded by special in-laws, Eddie Baca, Gertrude Gallegos and Mabel Torres. She had a special daughter-like relationship with her niece, Brenda Montoya, as well as a special great niece, Danielle Baldonado. She is survived by her loving son, Bryan Mascarena; daughter-in-law, Stephanie; and the apple of her eye, her precious hijito and grandson, Chris. She had a special place in her heart for her four nieces, who she considered daughters, Josephine Gallegos, Carolyn Jaramillo, Crystal Zamora and Melissa Baca. She is also survived by one sister, Helen Baca. She was respected and loved by her brothers-and sisters-in-laws, Tino (Betty) Mascarena, Boni (Lucy) Mascarena, Leroy (Sylvia) Mascarena, Joseph Mascarena, Ramona Torres, Kathy (J.R.) Cordova and David Torres; along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins, in particular Wayne Gallegos, who she considered to be her guardian angel. Many family members and friends also considered her to be a guardian angel because of her loving nature and wisdom. Pallbearers will be Paul "Wimpy" Gallegos, Wayne Gallegos, Ernesto Zamora, Matthew Jaramillo, Isaiah Zamora and Martin Dominguez. Honorary pallbearers will be her precious hijito Chris, along with her close friends, Rosie Garley, Brenda Cordova-Busick and Marcella Maldonado. Jennie, you will never be forgotten. Please sign Rita's online tribute at romerofuneralhome.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.