Former Valley resident Betty “Marie” Noriega, 56, passed away on June 5, 2023, in Canon City, Colo. She was born on Nov. 23, 1966, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Joe and Maria (Trujillo) Marquez.

Marie was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Her family was her greatest joy, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to help them.

She had a heart of gold and was known for taking in her children’s friends as her own and was affectionately referred to as “Mama Marie”. Her kindness and generosity extended far beyond her immediate family to anyone who needed it.

Marie had many passions in life, including dancing, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones. Her greatest joy was delivering biscochitos (her mom's secret recipe) to all of her friends around Christmas time.

She was especially proud of her children and loved watching Stephen race. She was sure to remind everyone she talked to that her granddaughter was “Little Miss Merry Christmas”. 

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness and selflessness.

Marie is survived by her children Alicia (Derek) Sisneros and Stephen (Nura) Noriega, her grandchildren; Brindi Gallegos, Nickolas Noriega, Chayce Sisneros, and Jett Noriega, her sister Tammy Marquez, her nephews Dion Marquez and Dominic Marquez as well as her niece Kylie (Gregory) Alexander and great-nephew Talyn, the father of her children, Steve Noriega and numerous extended family members (everyone was her cousin).

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Betty and her brothers, Stevie and Louie Marquez, whom she missed deeply.

Cremation was selected and a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa.

To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com. Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.