Longtime teacher and Bountiful resident Maria Darlene (Martinez) Vigil, 68, passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of Sept. 13, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving husband of more than 45 years, Pat.
Darlene was born on Sept. 3, 1956, to Jose D. and Clotilde (Manzanares) Martinez – the youngest of four daughters. She went to school in Sanford and then moved on to Adams State where she received her teaching degree.
Darlene taught Spanish and other subjects in Sanford, La Jara, and Antonito until her retirement in the early 2000s. She loved being a teacher and really enjoyed running into former students after they became successful adults.
After her retirement, Darlene and Pat volunteered most of their time to the Church. Darlene served in numerous capacities for the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Romeo but could often be seen helping in other churches in La Jara, Los Sauces, Conejos, and Capulin.
In her free time, Darlene enjoyed cooking, crafting, and decorating her home.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Patricio Vigil; her sisters: Sylvia (Allen) Biggs of Waco, Texas, Clara Martinez of Sanford, and Loki Abeyta of Aurora; her step-children: Christopher (Patricia) Vigil of San Antonio, Texas, Liz (Louie) Navares of Alamosa, and Kathy (Genaro) Gracia of Alamosa; as well as several step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Pat’s parents; her nephew, Jonathan Abeyta; and several brothers-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Romeo.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Jara. Mass will immediately follow at 10 a.m. with dinner afterward at Our Lady of the Valley reception hall.
Romero Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.
