Mary L. Quintana
June 17, 1932 ~ March 14, 2026
Mary Quintana departed peacefully on the morning of March 14, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her most.Born on June 17, 1932, in Las Tusas, New Mexico, to Narciso Espinoza and Ruben Martinez Espinoza, she was raised in a large, close-knit family and was the third-youngest of her siblings. Her early years were shaped by deep loss with the passing of her mother while Mary was still a child, leaving her to be raised by her father and siblings. From these hardships emerged a spirit that was passionate, unapologetic and impossible to overlook.
She married Jose Tomas Quintana on July 3, 1950, at a young age and lived in Antonito, Colorado, until 1970. She moved west to build a life full of memories, laughter, and family. And what a life she built!
To know Mary was to admire her. She was a woman of remarkable strength and a heart of gold. She carried herself with grit and humor, balancing a strong independence with a deep and quiet love for those closest to her. Her children were the center of her universe. Mary’s home was filled with moments of mischief, laughter and the kind of chaos only her children and grandchildren could create. 
Her love wasn’t delicate – it was strong, a steady flame and unwavering. It did not always arrive softly, but it was rooted in love. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, humor and an unforgettable spirit.
Mary is survived by her children Loretta Quintana, Mitchell Quintana (Jerri), Shelly Benavidez and Sheilla Batalla. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 59 great‑grandchildren and 27 great-great grandchildren and her siblings Ruby Elsworth, Lilly Ruybal, Cicilio Espinoza and Tony Jaramillo.
She was preceded in death by her parents Narciso Espinoza and Ruben Martinez Espinoza; her husband Jose Tomas Quintana; children Vivian Vasquez, MaryEmma Maestas, Thomas Joseph Quintana (Sonny); sons-in-law Raul Batalla and Michael Benavidez and her great‑granddaughter Alyissa Garcia; her siblings Olive Jaramillo, Elsie Valdez, Joe Espinoza, Molly Benavidez, Sally Herrera, Tillie Granado and Ruthy Espinoza. 
We would like to thank all the staff at St Joseph’s Villa. 
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on March 25, 2026, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Taylorsville. Interment at Redwood Memorial Estates.