Monica Salazar

Monica Lee Salazar was born June 16th, 1973 to Pamela Joyce Medina and Henry Lee Salazar.

She passed away the morning of May 20th, 2025. She is preceded in death by her father Henry Lee Salazar, grandmother Teresa “Deedee” Medina, grandfather Benny A. Medina, grandmother Frances Salazar, step-father Rip Huntington, step brother Rippie, cousin Paul B. Medina, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She is survived by her daughter Eva Marisol Crespin and wife Brandy Montaño, mother Pamela Medina-Huntington, sister Julie Medina, sister Dawn Huntington, nephew Jude, niece Sofia, and countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and community members.

Monica was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She spent her early childhood in Chama, New Mexico. She spent her days outdoors, dancing in the grass, picking chokecherries, eating pomegranates and swimming in the river.

She resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she gave birth to her daughter, Eva Marisol, who was the light of her life and her daily reason for healing and living.

As a young adult, Monica was a blackjack and craps dealer. She went on to complete massage school and became a respected massage therapist, body worker, practitioner of holistic medicine, and healer. She was an organizer, a realtor, and often worked more than one job at a time.

She was active in numerous communities and organizations. She loved people, and the people loved her. She inspired many with her kind heart, and sense of humor.

Monica had a special way of seeing people, especially when they couldn’t see themselves. She literally saved people’s lives. She gave love freely and without judgement. To know Monica, was truly to love her.

Monica was a mother, daughter, sister, friend, activist, poeta, healer, lover, and a fighter. Her light, love, and warmth will continue to be felt by those who remember and love her. The beauty and healing she brought out in people is undeniable.

She will be remembered dancing, loving, and spitting fire.

Monica will be missed dearly. In lieu of flowers, take a walk, plant a tree, sing a song, bask in the sun, howl at the moon. Be your true authentic self, and be kind every chance you get.