Susie Benavides

It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Susie Benavides (92), a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Susie was born on December 7, 1932, in Duran, New Mexico. She was called home on June 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  

Her legacy is one of unshakable faith, enduring love, and a strength that inspired all who knew her. She dedicated much of her professional life to serving the educational community, working for Santa Fe Public Schools. For many years, she also taught Catechism. She will forever be remembered and cherished by the countless lives she has touched. 

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Sabino and Lupita Madril, her siblings Joe Madril, Jane Martinez, and Lydia Naranjo, her beloved husband Jose Richard Pacheco, her sons Jose Leon Pacheco and Dominic Abraham Valdez, her grandson Richard Anthony Chavez, and her partner Armando Benavides. 

She is survived by her loving siblings: Josie Montoya, Amadee Madril, Anna Martinez, and Johnny Madril (Dolores); her children: Mary Salazar (Richard), Angela Pacheco-Chavez (Ronnie), and Richard Pacheco (Ofelia); and her grandchildren: Denise Gonzales (Bryan), Christopher Sandoval (Chantal), Brian Chavez (Ann), Dianna Baca (Aaron), Melissa Cox (Josh), Matthew Pacheco (Elena), Santana Valdez, and Michael Valdez. 

Her legacy lives on through her many great-grandchildren: Joaquin (Donean), Alejandrea (Elias), Daniel (Alicia), Veronica (German), Audrey (Tony), Christopher Jr, Haylie, Michael Anthony, Andres, James, Lucas, Liam, Luna, Salem, Zenaida, and Mia, and her great-great-granddaughter Isabella. 

We are forever grateful to those who offer prayers, love, and support. Susie’s memory will live on in the lives she shaped and the hearts she touched. She will be missed dearly and always remembered with love, laughter, and a legacy that will never fade. 

A rosary will be recited on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. at San Isidro Parish Center, 2148 San Ysidro Crossing, (1/4 mile past the Parish Office) in Santa Fe, NM 87507. 

A private interment will be held at a later date.