Celia Duran

Celia Duran, aged 93, of Las Vegas, New Mexico, danced her way into the next life on October 30, 2024, in Albuquerque, following a brave battle with dementia. Known for her tenacity and infectious spirit, she lived life like she was always on the dance floor—full of energy and joy.

Born on September 28, 1931, to Secundino Serna and Deluvina Abeyta in Morphy Canyon, Ledoux, New Mexico, Celia was the kind of person who graduated from Mora High School in 1950 and immediately thought, “What’s next?” Her first gig was at the Jayval & Navajo Textiles Parachute Factory. After the factory closed, she took her talents to Hilton Motors, where she kept the books and made sure the numbers added up.

In 1953, Celia met the love of her life, Jose Benito Duran, at a dance in Mora. The two made a perfect pair, tying the knot on June 4, 1954, and embarking on a beautiful adventure together. They raised two children, Benito and Gloria, and their household was always filled with laughter, love, and probably a few too many cookies.

Celia embraced retirement in 1982 with open arms, dedicating her newfound free time to family, travel, and hobbies that could only be described as “delightfully eclectic.” She loved visiting her family, helping to raise her grandsons, sewing, baking, tackling crossword puzzles like a pro, and watching sports (though her idea of a great game often involved snacks as much as scoreboards). She was fortunate enough to explore the world, including trips to Panama and Germany, where we can only imagine she dazzled everyone with her charisma and charm.

Celia was preceded in death by her loving parents, Secundino and Deluvina; her husband, Jose B. Duran; her sisters, Della Lopez (Silas Lopez) and Aurora Pando; and her in-laws, Emilio and Teresita (Solano) Duran.

She leaves behind her son Benito Duran and wife Lisa; her daughter Gloria Duran-Reed and husband Rick; her granddaughters, Bella (Duran) Martinez and husband Damian, and Alexis Duran; grandson Joe B. Duran and wife Sarah; and Daniel O’Connell and wife Amanda. Her great-grandchildren, Joseph Martinez, Alicia Martinez, Emelia “Moss” O’Connell, Luna Duran, Jose Duran, and Michael Duran, will surely remember her as the fun-loving matriarch who always had a twinkle in her eye. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Lucille Duran, special nieces Anita Gurule and Elizabeth Valdez (Ivan Valdez), Viola Pando; nephew Lawrence Lopez (Wendy) and her cherished honorary son, Michael Romero, and his wife Brenda.

In accordance with Celia’s wishes, no formal services will be held. She will be cremated and laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.