Emma M. Coca Gabaldon

Emma Gabaldon passed away on the morning of December 28, 2021 in Albuquerque after a lifetime of curiosity, adventure, and love. Emma was born in Ranchos de Taos on January 15, 1927 to parents Procopio Coca and Lucia Valdez. Raised by Lucia and second husband Jose Francisco Basquez, Emma grew to be a sister to 13 siblings with brothers: Amadeo D. Coca, Jose F. (Frank) Vasquez, Lorenzo Vasquez, Juan L. (John) Basquez, Gilberto P. Vasquez, Roberto M. Vasquez, Jose E. (Joe) Vasquez, Jose O. (Toby) Vasquez, and Cristóbal H. Vasquez and sisters: Sencionita L. (Ascension) Garcia, Ernestina B. Jinzo, Maria J. (Jane) Vallier, and Elena Garcia. Her adventurous spirit paved the way for her journey to Albuquerque as a young woman. While working as a laundress, she met Louie Gabaldon who became her husband of 48 years. Together they raised Henry Gabaldon (wife Sadie), Yolanda Vigil (husband Daniel), Richard Gabaldon (wife Dorothy), Patricia Trujillo (husband Samuel), and John Gabaldon (wife Barbara) within the Martinez, Barelas, and Duranes communities. Emma was a voracious reader and her curiosity about the world encouraged her to learn as much as she could on her own and through others. Her family will miss the precious moments they had with her. Her 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren remember her sense of humor, knowledge of gardening medicinal to ornamental plants, games they played with her, the love they felt, and their own special memories growing up with her. Emma spoke about the friends she had throughout life and the new friends she made at the Highlands Senior Center. She missed them dearly when she could not be with them. Later in life, she and her companion Jose Vargas made their mark with their own adventures. They had fun watching westerns and movies, going to dinner, dancing, casinos, and trips whenever they could. Emma also welcomed Jose’s daughter Angela and family with open arms. Emma, thank you for being in our lives. A rosary to be recited at 9:00 am and service at 9:30 am will be held March 17, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church, 309 Stover Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial, 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. In lieu of flowers, please donate to charity of your choice.