Mae Darlene Cress passed away on October 1, 2026, in Trinidad, Colorado, leaving a little of her magic with all of us and taking her love of dancing to the stars.

Born and raised in Trinidad, Mae could take the simplest things and make them beautiful. With a little fabric, a few ingredients, and whatever she had on hand, she could turn the ordinary into something magical: a quilt, a wonderful meal, or a special gift for someone she loved. She had a way of making life feel full even when money was scarce, and somehow, she always found a way to get her family what they needed. Only later would we understand how much she made possible with so little.

Mae was an amazing cook and a talented seamstress. She made tea towels and a blanket for each of her loved ones. Her family still has her recipes, ready to bring her cooking and the memories that come with it back to the table.

A natural caretaker, Mae lovingly cared for her mother during her final months, something her brother Albert remembered with lasting gratitude. Whenever someone needed her, Mae was there. She showed up for the celebrations, milestones, and important moments in her family’s lives, always. Looking through family photographs, there she was, again and again, sharing in the moments that mattered.

Mae loved to laugh, dance, and go for car rides with her favorite jams playing. She loved the changing aspens, whose golden fall colors will always bring her to mind. She leaves us with recipes to cook, blankets to wrap up in, and so many stories and laughs to share. Until we meet again, Mae, we’ll keep a little of your magic with us.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Connie (Ortiz) Cress; her husband, Herman Esquibel; her son, Matthew Mestas; her brother, Albert Cress Jr.; and her sisters, Bernice Montera, Celia “CeCe” Mares, and Norma Cress.

Mae is survived by her daughter, Sherri Mestas; son, Shane Mestas; daughter, Melissa Esquibel and her son, Sean O’Connell; honorary son, Travis McKenzie; granddaughter, Jazmin Grandstaff and her children, Andre, Alaia Mae, and Aziah; grandson, Damian Grandstaff and his children, Maya and Josiah; partner, Benito R Chavez; sisters, Cleo Trujillo and Tina Vigil; brothers, Richard Cress and Tommy Cress; and many other beloved family members and friends.