Catarina R. Lugo, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born on March 30, 1941, in Del Rio, Texas, Catarina was the daughter of Mercedes and Desidoro Rodriguez. She carried the warmth and resilience of her roots throughout her life, touching everyone she met with her wonderful cooking and unwavering dedication to her family and loved ones. She is survived by her loving husband and boyfriend of 65 years, Manuel Lugo, their five children: Jerry Lugo, Lonnie Lugo, Anthony Lugo, Danny Lugo, and Lydia Galloway, 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, brothers Freddy Rodriguez, Desidoro Rodriguez Jr, and her sister whom she was very close to, Cecilia Crespin. Catarina raised all 5 children while working and going to school.  She also supported her husband who served 24 years in the US Army, of which 5 years were hardship tours. Catarina devoted many years of service as a secretary at a vocational training school, was a member of the Latin American Community Club in Lawton, Oklahoma, she was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, she was an active member of her church choir, and an excellent master speaker of ceremonies for family reunions and get togethers. Always ready with a deck of cards and a competitive grin, Catarina enjoyed playing games with family and friends. On Sunday, you would always find her cheering on her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. Catarina's legacy lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the many people she supported and inspired.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mercedes and Desidoro Rodriguez; and her brother Larry Rodriguez. Though she has joined them in rest, her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her.

Catarina will be remembered for her grace, her devotion to family, and the wisdom she shared with those around her. Her life was a testament to love, perseverance, and the beauty of a generous heart.

A prayer vigil will be held on Wednesday September 3, 2025 at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road, Visitation will begin at 05:00 P.M. and Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 06:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday September 4, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 N. Miranda Street. Interment and Rite of Committal will conclude at Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com