Nellie Maldonado

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Nellie Maldonado, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on August 31, 2026, at the age of 88.

Nellie was born on March 21, 1938, in El Paso, Texas, to Juanita McCrimmon. As the oldest of eight children, Nellie learned from an early age the importance of family, love, and caring for others. She dedicated her life to the people she loved and spent most of her life working as a cook in Las Vegas, Nevada, and throughout the Mesilla Valley.

Nellie had a lively spirit and a true love for enjoying life. She was an avid dancer who loved getting dressed up, listening to bands play, and spending time surrounded by family and friends. She also had a deep love for gardening and took great joy in nurturing flowers and creating beautiful spaces for others to enjoy. She had a special gift for making things grow—she could grow just about anything!

Above all, Nellie was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was known for her strength, kindness, and vibrant spirit. Her warmth and personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her, and her presence brought joy and love to countless lives.

Nellie leaves behind her five children: Jose Maldonado, Maryellen Maldonado, Lala Maldonado, Jesus Maldonado, and Patricia Maldonado-Meza (Victor Meza); seven siblings; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, along with many other family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave, the memories she created, and the spirit she carried will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her legacy will continue through the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.

Join Us in Celebrating Nellie’s Life on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (1240 S. Espina St. Las Cruces, NM 88001). 10:00 a.m. Public Viewing, 11:00 a.m. Rosary, 11:30 a.m. Mass.

A Garden of Love in Her Memory

To honor Nellie and her love of flowers and gardening, we invite you to bring an artificial flower to the service.

Please choose a flower that reminds you of her, brings back a special memory, or simply makes you smile. During the service, we will add these flowers to a special display in her honor.

Together, we hope to recreate one of Nellie’s beautiful gardens, a lasting tribute filled with flowers, love, memories, and the people who meant so much to her. In this way, we can create something beautiful together, just as she did throughout her life.

Pall Bearers

Adrian Moreno, Alejandro Meza, Bryan Taylor, David Tapia, Derek Rankin, Tony Duran

Honorary Pall Bearer: John McCrimmon