Lillie Apodaca

Lillie G. Apodaca was born in Belen, New Mexico to Ignacio and Bernice Garcia on July 27th , 1935, in Belen, New Mexico. She passed away peacefully on July 30th , in her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico just 3 days after her 90th birthday. She is preceded in death by her parents Ignacio and Bernice Garcia and her loving husband Arthur (Tudy) Apodaca, her sister Dora Torres, and her beloved friends Jo Ephraim and Lynn Rupp.

She moved to Socorro after graduating from Belen High School where she met her Husband, Tudy, and was married and started their family with their daughter Charlotte Romero and son Estevan Apodaca. Lillie worked at the Coronado Café in Socorro as a waitress. Later, she worked for the Socorro County Assessor’s Office. After leaving the Assessor’s Office she worked for Eagle Pitcher as a Line Supervisor for a few years. She was later appointed Manager of the State of New Mexico and Socorro County Motor Vehicle Department Field Office, where she later retired after 30 years of service. After retirement, she and her husband moved to Albuquerque, where she worked at her son’s business, Estevan’s Salon de Belleza, for more than 18 years, where she became a recognizable icon. She met and established many close relationships with her circle of friends. Lillie was very much involved with the Democratic Party in Socorro and for the State of New Mexico. She will be remembered for her historic appointment as the first Latina Women to serve as a New Mexico Democratic Delegate for George McGovern in 1972. She was very proud to be a Democrat and often had very strong opinions about the current Republican Administration.

Lillie enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, camping and going to the lake. Lillie traveled abroad often with Estevan and Ed. Most importantly, Lillie was dedicated to her Catholic faith and shared it with everyone she met.

Lillie is survived by her daughter Charlotte Romero (Danny), son Estevan Apodaca (husband) Edwin Abeyta, four grandchildren, Lucas Romero (wife) Andi Romero, Celina Romero, Adrian, and Marisa Abeyta. Her six great-grandchildren, Mateo, Dante, Brooklyn Romero, Danny and Brielle Romero, who lovingly called her Grandma Grape, her baby sister Frieda Sinclair, (Alan). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and her beloved friends Margie Sanchez, Evelyn Parsons, and Erlinda Silva who she loved like a daughter and was there during this difficult time until God called her home.

The funeral mass and rosary begins at 9:30 am on Thursday, August 7th, which will be held at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd. N W 87114, with burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Pallbearers are :

Mateo Romero, Dante Romero, Adrian Abeyta, Gerald Chavez, Alan Sinclair, David Velasco

There will be a gathering for family and friends as an opportunity to share memories of Lillie and Grandma Grape. The reception will be after grave site services at the Oasis Event Center (formally known as the Salt Yard) 3700 Ellison Dr. N W, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Please come and provide support for her family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"