Manuela Guadalupe "Lupe" Maciel

With heavy hearts we announce that our beloved mother, Manuela Guadalupe Maciel, lovingly known as Lupe, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 70. She passed peacefully on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family.

Lupe was born on March 15, 1955, in Mesilla, New Mexico, to Otilia Olivas (Rodriguez) and Leopoldo Olivas. She grew up in a large, loving family alongside her siblings:  Manuel Olivas, Pedro Olivas (Maria), Eva Delgado (Santos), Maria Olivas (Desidoro), Carmen Appelzoller (Federico), Martha Marquez (Thomas) Lorenzo Olivas, and Virginia Dominguez (Richard).

Her family roots shaped her strength, her compassion, and her deep devotion to those she loved.  She graduated with the Class of 1974 from Las Cruces High School.  Throughout her life, Lupe worked in many roles, always with dedication and heart. She served as a cafeteria worker for the Gadsden School District and later as a teacher’s aide at Anthony Elementary, where she touched the lives of countless children with her kindness and patience.  Lupe was deeply rooted in her faith and held a strong devotion to God and La Virgen de Guadalupe. Her spirituality guided her, comforted her, and shaped the way she loved others.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years Lazaro Maciel, and her daughters Lillian Van Matre (Rick), Linda Mares, and Marcy Caro (Mario).  She is also survived by her grandchildren:  Veronica Acosta‑Baradat (Alejandro), Juan Presiado, Cesear Presiado, Ryan Van Matre, Matthew Martinez, Jazmyn Aragon, Anaida Martinez, and Micah Acosta.  Her legacy continues through her great‑grandchildren Xiovanni Acosta and Caroline Van Matre.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leopoldo Olivas and Otilia Olivas (Rodriguez); her siblings Manuel Olivas, Pedro Olivas, and Carmen Appelzoller; her grandchild Isaiah Martinez; and her nephews Tommy Evaro and Miguel Evaro Jr.

A Celebration of Life for Lupe will be held at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 East Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., with burial immediately after in San Miguel, New Mexico. 

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Juan, Cesear, Ryan, Matthew, and Godsons Daniel Dominguez and Manuel Olivas Jr., Honorary Pallbearers Alejandro Baradat and Pablo Marquez.

Lupe’s life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.