Mary Evelyn Tapia was born June 22, 1940 in Los Alamos, NM. She was the daughter of Avelino and Rose Tapia. She spent some of her childhood in New Mexico before the family moved to Colorado. The family lived in Manassa, CO before moving to Monte Vista, CO.

Mary worked as a sales associate at Western Auto, a department manager at K-Mart, Bookkeeper/Director of Operations for Valley Fresh, General Manager for Legacy, and Bookkeeper/Director of Operation for Expo, LLC/Farm Fresh Direct.

Some of her favorite things to do were gardening, taking care of her yard, breeding huskies and poodles, baking and cooking. One of the highlights of her life was visiting with people. She loved it when she would go out visiting or people would come over. Her kitchen was a place of socialization, laughter and love.

Mary is survived by her son, David Tapia(Mindy), daughters Valerie Day(Keith), Rosemary Armenta(Frank), and Danielle Steward(Billy), grandchildren: Bridget Clark(Jeremy), Nicki Tapia, Heidi Garrett, Ashley Flores(Chris), Brittney Bustos, and Liam Steward, great-grandchildren Emily Ellithorpe, Avery Ellithorpe, Ethan Ellithorpe(Katy), Brooklyn Clark, Aiden Clark(Ariel), Samantha Flores, Charlotte Flores, Wyatt Wolfe and a great-great granddaughter Oakley Ellithorpe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Avelino and Rose Tapia, son, Anthony Armenta.

Cremation was selected and a Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held thursday February 19, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista beginning at 7:00 pm. A Mass will be held Friday morning at 10:00 am also at the church. To express condolences, please visit www.mvmortuary.com