Rita Lucero, 85 of Albuquerque, NM passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at her home. She was born July 26, 1941, in San Jose, NM to Abran and Conrada Lucero.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Albert E. Lucero, brothers Macedon Lucero, Phil Lucero and sisters Louisa Dean and Vickie Almendariz.

She is survived by her daughter Sandra Pena Lopez and husband Robert Lopez; sons Gerald Lucero and Michael Valdivia; numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Rita loved to attend the senior centers and fiesta dances and was known to love to play the slots. She loved to dance and “The Twist” was her favorite song and was not shy to get up and dance to it no matter where she was to hear it. She was fun to be around and enjoyed life to the fullest. She will be missed by many friends and family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:15 p.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. also at St. Jude Thaddeus Church.

Burial will follow on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 2:45 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, to be laid to rest with her beloved husband Albert E. Lucero Sr.

Pallbearers will be Marcos Molina, Gerald Lucero III, Gavin Lucero, Jerry Gamboa, Manual Lucero, Martin Alirez.

The family would like to thank Stephanie Armijo (caregiver) and the nurses at hospice care for their kind help and support.