Mary Bertha Salazar, 86, of Las Cruces passed away January 3, 2023. She was born December 13, 1936, in Las Cruces to Lambert and Guadalupe Lopez. She graduated from Las Cruces High School and went on to work at White Sands Missile Range.
Mary met the love of her life, Jose Herminio Salazar in Las Cruces while he was attending NMSU. He went into the US Army and married Mary Bertha Lopez in Fort Riley, Kansas on September 13, 1958. Shortly thereafter he was stationed in Germany where he and Mary lived for nearly 2 years. After serving his country they settled in Los Alamos, New Mexico for a short time. Once again, he was called into the US Army, this time stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana. After his second tour of service Joe and Mary returned to Los Alamos for a short time before moving to Las Cruces where they lived and raised their children. They were married for over 62 years before Jose’s passing in November 2020.
Mary always put family first. She was the most loving mother and devoted wife. Mary was the den mother for the cub scout troop of her three sons. She was her daughter’s best friend and biggest cheerleader. She was the interior designer for the homes her husband built. Mary took pride in seeing her family succeed because their successes were a result of the strength, knowledge, love, and support she provided. Mary’s creativity shined through in her needlework, flower arrangements, ceramic paintings, and baking. A devout Catholic, she instilled the same devotion in her children. Mary was always full of fun and laughter, ready to play with and play tricks on her children and grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her son Raymond Salazar and his wife Nancy Salazar, son Gilbert Salazar, son Eddie Salazar, daughter Bernadette Corona and her husband Cesear Corona, grandsons Nicholas Salazar and Jaime Salazar, granddaughters Sara Salazar, Mylena Corona, and Audrey Corona. She is also survived by her sister Norma Quappe.
She is preceded in death by siblings Oscar Lopez and Eloy Lopez, and by her parents Lambert and Guadalupe Lopez.
Rosary is scheduled for 6pm Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, February 3, 2023 at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral.
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