It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Gomez, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on September 9, 2026, at the age of 91, due to natural causes. Mary was born on June 30, 1935, in Center, Colorado. Mary was a dedicated worker who later retired from the Co-Op. Following her retirement, she stayed at home, dedicating her time entirely to her home and loved ones. More than anything, she cherished being surrounded by her family, who meant the world to her. She was a constant pillar of support-always there to listen and offer her wise advice to anyone who needed it.

Her legacy of love lives on through her surviving family. Mary is survived by her loving children: Paul Gomez, Larry (Maria) Espinosa, DeeAnn (Bobby) Kennedy, and Delsa Chavez.

A caring and compassionate woman, Mary had an immense passion for cooking and baking, and she was widely known for making the absolute best pies, salsa, and banana bread, always preparing everything from scratch for family gatherings and holidays. She prayed the rosary daily and was a devoted Catholic, finding strength and comfort in her faith. Mary was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, an avid reader, and possessed a vibrant green thumb, finding great joy in tending to her flowers. She absolutely loved pictures of everyone and could often be found capturing precious family memories, happily snapping away with her Polaroid camera. Her spirit resonated with the sounds of Spanish music, and she delighted in dancing, sewing, crocheting, and playing the piano.
Mary will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She also took great joy in her role as a grandmother to her 20 grandchildren, including Jasmine (James) Romero, Jaimie (Clint) Gomez, Jaylynn (Davis) Gomez, Jaylee Gomez, Chasity (Daniel) Garcia, Tara Espinosa, Kindra Quintana, Jared Keltner, Shaun Lee, Crystal Kennedy, Christen Kennedy, Kimberly Kennedy, Cory Kennedy, Chelsea Kennedy, Daniella Espinosa, Rickyanna Espinosa, Christian Espinosa, and Juan Carlos Espinosa, who filled her heart with love and laughter.

Mary was also a proud great-grandmother, blessing this world with 36 great-grandchildren; Jamiyah Romero, Jalayah Romero, Amari Newton, Amber Keltner, Ebony Chavez, Devyn Sisneros, Daniel Garcia, Mya Espinosa, Nolan Espinosa, Eric Espinosa, Augustina Espinosa, Samuel Espinosa, Thomas Espinosa, Jimmy Espinosa, Tierra Espinosa, Decarlo Espinosa, Nathan Quintana, Deon Arellano, Mila Arellano, Brian Brown, Sophia Arnold, Adrian Kennedy-Baker, Naveah Kennedy-Baker, Ameliana Buss,Aziel Kennedy, Samarai Kennedy, and Analaya Kennedy, who brought her immense joy and pride.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Efrain, whom she married on March 25, 1970. Together, they built a beautiful family, though she mourned the loss of her children-Richard, Robert, Johnny, and Sharon Espinosa-as well as her grandchildren Josh, Eric, and Jason Espinosa,

Desi Espinosa and her great-grandchild Ivin Chavez. She also grieved for her siblings, Delma Aguilar and Rudy Montoya, who left this world before her.

A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday September 17, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. A Funeral Mass will be held beginning at 10:00 am on Friday September 18, 2026 also at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. Interment will take place at the 7 Mile Plaza Cemetery following the services. We invite all family and friends to join us as we celebrate her remarkable life and the love she shared with us all.

May her soul rest in peace, enveloped in the love she so freely gave.

You will be deeply missed grandma but never forgotten!