Remijia Cedillo

Surrounded by her family, Remijia L. Cedillo peacefully took the hand of the Lord on March 10, 2024.

Remijia, affectionately called Micha by her loved ones, was born on May 29, 1932 in San Ysidro, a small village in Dona Ana County. Micha was the third of eight children born to Dahlia Lucero Lopez and Vicente Lopez. The Lopez family lived on their farm and Micha’s fondest memories were of growing up on the family farm, running around barefoot with her brothers and sisters in the warm summers, playing tag, kickball and hide-and-go-seek. Micha’s strong work ethic was developed on the farm as well as her love for working outdoors.

Micha often recounted stories of her siblings: Alfredo who was the trickster; the admiration she had for her oldest sister Barbara who served in the Navy; the meticulous style of Dolores; the gentle nature of her brothers Leopoldo and Reymundo; the free-spiritedness of Agatha; and the protective nature she had for her youngest sister, Martha.

Micha graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1950 and went to worked as a transcriptionist for the State of New Mexico. Micha excelled in the skill of shorthand writing and years later would still make notes in shorthand, much to the amazement of her young daughters who would find these notes and try to decipher what they meant.

One day while accompanying her sister Dolores to White Sands Missile Range, she met a handsome security guard, Enrique M. Cedillo, at a bus stop. Enrique, a veteran of World War II and a confirmed bachelor, wasn’t looking for his soulmate that eventful day but Micha’s intellect and beauty won him over. After a courtship, Micha married Enrique on June 20, 1957. Together they raised five daughters and were happily married for thirty-two years.

Micha left the workforce in 1958 upon the birth of her oldest daughter, Barbara and became the consummate homemaker for her family, a work-intensive labor of love that was more fulfilling than a career could ever be. Micha was an excellent cook and baker, spoiling her family with the delicious meals she prepared nightly. For many years Micha’s daughters wore the handsewn designer clothing of their mother. Micha was practiced in the art of canning fruit and vegetables and loved working in her garden.

As a family, the Cedillos went on an annual summer vacation, all seven packed into the family station wagon. They drove near and far, whether it was to go camping in the Gila National Forest or to go see Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. Micha was the quiet force behind these trips, planning, saving money, packing and completing endless to-do lists to get her family ready.

One of Micha’s greatest challenges was the illness of her beloved Enrique in 1986. She became his full-time caregiver until she was no longer able to do so physically due to his lanky height and medical needs. Enrique passed away on November 21, 1989, marking an enormous transition in Micha’s life.

Family was Micha’s greatest love and was borne by her parents, Dahlia and Vicente. Micha, Barbara and Dolores became the primary caregivers for their mother, bringing Dahlia to live in Micha’s home. During this time Micha also took care of four of her grandchildren. This priceless gift allowed Micha’s daughters to work and attend college knowing their children were safe with their beloved grandma.

Being a grandma was another transition for Micha, allowing her to freely indulge her grandchildren in ways they will cherish – trips to Unidad Park, the library, the pool; the homemade treats; the endless toys and books that seemed to appear out of thin air.

Later in her life Micha was busy with several hobbies and activities such as working out daily at Curves Gym. As a testament to her strong faith, Micha was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in different roles: she was a Eucharistic minister at Sunday Mass; she attended Perpetual Adoration on Saturday mornings; and she worked as a counter for the tithing donations made at Mass. Micha also participated in the Christ Child Sewing Club where she sewed receiving blankets for expectant mothers.

Perhaps Micha’s greatest accomplishment was the unconditional love she gave her daughters and grandchildren. By examples too numerous to count, she taught us that family comes first and takes priority over other responsibilities. We, her daughters, are very close, calling and texting each other, getting together for lunch often, hugging and kissing when we’re together. Micha’s grandchildren are a gregarious group every time they get together, laughing and telling stories of their childhood and how they could exasperate their grandma only to have her laugh and hug them afterward.

Micha’s three great grandchildren brought her great joy each time she saw them. Another great granddaughter is on the way and she will know who her great grandmother was.

In closing, Micha’s presence in our life was constant and consistent. She gave us a sense of belonging and grounding. By all appearances, Micha’s life was a simple one however, it was undoubtably an important life which indelibly shaped us into who we are today. Mama, thank you for everything. You will live on forever in us.

Micha is survived by her daughters, Barbara A. Alvarez (Joe), Patricia M. Cedillo, Theresa Martinez (Miguel), Alicia C. Smith (Les) and Rita C. Parra (Daniel), her eight grandchildren, Joseph Daniel Alvarez, Travis Marc Alvarez, Amanda Leigh Demock-Troublefield, Christopher Louis Demock, Alonzo Daniel Parra, Santana Elvira Parra, Kailey Nicole Smith, Cameron Zackary Smith and three great grandchildren, Miabella Royale Alvarez, Cruz Enrique Parra and Abigail Lucia Troublefield. She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara O’Rourke, Dolores Gallegos, Leopoldo Lopez, Agatha Jessee, Reymundo Lopez and Martha Middlebrook as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Micha was preceded in death by her parents, Dahlia and Vicente Lopez, her husband, Enrique and her brother, Alfredo Lopez.

Recitation of the Rosary will be on Tuesday, March 26 at Getz Funeral Home Chapel, 1410 E. Bowman Avenue at 6:00 pm and the Funeral Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. Micha’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.