Patricia Mares

Patricia Joan Mares died peacefully on January 10, 2015, at the Sunshine Gardens Country Home memory care facility, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Patricia (Patsy) was born in Santa Fe, NM, March 23, 1936 to Orlando T. Espinosa and Elena Garcia Espinosa. Patsy graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1954 and went on to the University of New Mexico where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1958. Patsy was a Registered Dietician and was employed by Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland for 25 years. Patsy also taught educational seminars for professionals in her career field specializing in diabetes. Patsy enjoyed sewing, crafts, and was an excellent cook.
Patsy and Paul Mares were both single at their 45th high school class reunion and reunited in a romantic relationship that led to marriage on December 2, 2000. Patsy retired in 1999, married Paul, and moved to Durango. Patsy is survived by her husband Paul Mares; her daughter Lisa Laranjeira and husband Luis; son Gregory Wise and wife Mimi; her son Brian Wise and wife Patti; 11 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren as well as 7 children; 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren on Paul’s side.
For our Durango friends, a memorial mass for Patsy will be at St. Columba Church on Saturday, January 17th at 10:00am. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
A second service will occur in Albuquerque, NM on Sat., Jan. 31st at 10 am at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery Chapel.
In leiu of flowers, donation in Patsy's name can made Alzheimer's Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1950,Clarksburg, MD 20871.