Feb. 18, 1934 – April 2, 2021

Mary Soto, 87, passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 2, 2021, in her home in Socorro, NM surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on February 18, 1934, in Socorro, NM to Marcos and Emilia (Torres) Lucero.

She is survived by her loving children Arleen (Soto) Valles and husband Randy, and son Michael Oscar Soto; her caring grandchildren Jason Valles and wife Kelley, Amy Valles, Emilee Soto and wife Veronica, and Alexandra Soto; her great-grandchildren Domanique Valles and Theodore Soto; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mary was a lifelong resident of Socorro. Above all, she dedicated her life to the service of God, which reflected in all that she did. She was a devoted member of the San Miguel Catholic Church, where she was a Catechism instructor for many years, a member of the local chapter of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and a volunteer in the Church’s gift shop. She has what many consider to be the largest private collection of rosaries in the United States (a joke, but there really are a lot). Mary’s greatest passion was her family. She was an unparalleled wife, mother, and grandmother. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, and she will be missed so dearly by each of them.

Mary was retired from Torres Elementary School after over 30 years of dutiful service. After her retirement, she dedicated her time to volunteering at Tienda de Segundo to raise money for the needs of local senior citizens. She always welcomed everyone with open arms, an open heart, and often, a plate of delicious New Mexican food. Mary enjoyed watching the birds and she admired all flowers, especially those in her garden. She loved crocheting, cake decorating, and ice cream in any form.

She is preceded in death by her husband Alejandro Oscar Soto, her parents, her sisters, Juanita (Lucero) Naranjo and Julianita (Lucero) Ulibarri; and her brothers, Richard Lucero and Gilbert Lucero.

A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. at San Miguel Catholic Church, to be immediately followed by a Mass of the Resurrection with Father John Anasiudu as Celebrant.

Interment will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers are Randy Valles, Jason Valles, Gilbert Lucero, Tomas Delgadillo, Richard Del Curto, and Arnold Mazotti. Those who wish to send condolences online may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801, (575) 835-1530.

 

El Defensor Chieftain