Obituary of Frances B. Salazar

Frances B. Salazar age 90, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by her loving family, February 2, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her infant son Nicholas; daughters Bertha Romero and Lucy Salazar; and son Henry Salazar; Parents: Federico Ibarra and Simodosea Garcia; and her dear grandmother Mama Kika; her siblings: Manuelita, Carolina, Roberta, Arturo, Jacobo, Eddie and Tony; grandsons: Shawn, Montes, CJ, JoJo, son in law Mark Murray and great granddaughter Adrina Salazar.

Frances was a lifelong resident of the beautiful Chama Valley. Frances attend Chama Parochial Schools and later retired from the Chama Valley School District. Her homemade bread was a favorite and she generously served seconds with a smile. Frances made the best tortillas ever; always making a tiny tortilla for the baby of the family. Frances had a love for music, often recalling memories of singing with her sisters as her brothers played the guitar. Frances was the greatest grandmother to exist, she helped raise many of her grandchildren. Frances made memories with them by playing basketball, baseball, and always encouraged education. Frances loved reading and was a strong, fierce, rebel for her time. Frances was a fearless matriarch who taught us love, respect, and integrity. Frances shared many laughs, with her good sense of humor and expressive Spanish words! Frances had a strong will, even in her final days; she did it on her own terms stating, “Yo soy la jefa.”

She is survived by her sister Molly Upton and children: Gail Murray; Cyndi Salazar, Anthony & Theresa Trujillo, Kimberly Gallegos, Johnny (Pepe) Salazar; and her granddaughter MoniQue Martinez, whom she took pride in raising. She is survived by 37 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

Services will be held February 18, 2023 @ 10:00am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chama NM. Burial to proceed at the Chama Community Cemetery.