In Loving Memory of

Maria "Nora" Tapia

1938 - 2026

Maria "Nora" Tapia, age 88, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 surrounded by the love of her 9 children, 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Nora was born January 21, 1938, to Estevan and Stella Baca in Pastura, New Mexico. Her natural beauty that shined throughout her life was only matched by her beautiful heart. She lived a life rich in love, laughter and sharing unselfishly of all she had. She always showed love and affection to everyone that she met. She gave her love and understanding with an open heart to anyone who needed a shoulder to lean on. She not only raised her children but helped with raising her grandchildren and created memories that we all talk about and will continue to cherish for years to come.

Nora was an amazing cook and enjoyed feeding anyone that came to her house, the neighborhood kids would come over just to get her warm tortillas. Later in life she enjoyed going out to eat and have family drive her around town. She enjoyed going to the casino with her sister Alice and anyone that would take her. She always told us stories about her cousins in Clovis that she loved dearly. She will be remembered for everything she did for others and how she made people feel welcome, helped and deeply loved. To many people Nora was an angel with a beautiful and pure heart.

When she started slowing down and couldn't go out anymore she was happy at home with Abe & Sandra, her "daughter-in-love", watching Little House on the Prairie. Nora leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those whose lives she touched.

Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Tim Tapia; parents, Estevan and Stella Baca; her sister, Alice (Charley) Madrid and by her grandchildren, Billie Frances Marie Tapia and Abraham Elias Tapia.

She is survived by her siblings, Betty Baca, Ray (Tilly) Baca and Tom (Florence) Baca;  her children, Billy (Anita) Tapia, Abe (Sandra) Tapia, Amalia (Joey) Pacheco, Belinda (Bobby) Olson, Frances (Guy) Riordan, Lorraine (George) Chavez, James Tapia (Steven Jankauskis), Sonya (Bleu) Raines and Deborah Zapata; her grandchildren, Stephen (Brenda) Tapia, William (Alejandra)Tapia, Brianna (Mia) Tapia, Samantha Tapia, Tanya Tapia, Evan Tapia, Dasia Romero, Joshua Gallegos, Danny (Shelly Alvarado) Morgan, Nicole Pacheco, Eric Pacheco, Michelle Olson, Jennifer Olson, Robert Olson, Drew (Brittney) Riordan, Sean Riordan, Andres Romero, Adam Romero, Kassiah (Gerald) Montoya, Elias (Sandy) Romero, Nathaniel Romero, Georgie Chavez, Gabriella (Nathan) Culberson, Chasya Raines, Elijah Raines, Eliazar Zapata, Izeah Zapata and Nadia Montano; her great grandchildren, Stevie Tapia, Anthony Tapia, Joseph Condes, Josiah Condes, Viviana Pacheco, Jade Frank, Remington Riordan, Rory Riordan, Kyra Romero, Isaiah Romero, Ivan Hall, Giovanna Montoya, Genesis Chavez, Nevaeh Chavez, Zar Zapata and Jeramiah Montano; along with Johnny Wise, her night time confidant and Coda the dog.

Services for Nora will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the St Thomas Aquinas Newman Center, 1815 Las Lomas Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.  The Rosary will be Recited at 11:00 am followed by the Funeral Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 11:30 am.

*An additional service will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 9:00 am at Rio Church, 1016 Juan Tabo Blvd., Albuq., NM 87112. Burial will follow at St. Helen's Chapel in Pastura, NM 88435 around 12:00 pm.