Elvira C. Marquez passed peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, Aunt and friend whose gentle spirit, warmth, and kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She had a beautiful way of making people feel seen and important. Her family often joked that they could leave her alone for just a little while, and by the time they returned, she had already made a new friend. She was a wonderful listener and had a genuine interest in people and their stories. She listened with patience and curiosity, and people naturally felt comfortable opening their hearts to her.

Her faith was woven quietly into the everyday moments of her life. Her family will always remember hearing her softly whispering prayers from the backseat during car rides and watching her make the sign of the cross throughout her day. These were small, familiar gestures of faith that became such a natural part of her presence. These simple moments are now among the memories her family will hold especially close.

She also found great joy in the nature around her, especially birds. Their songs and presence brought her happiness, and they will forever serve as a gentle reminder of her sweet and peaceful spirit.

She showed her love in many ways, but one of the greatest was through food. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, filled with delicious meals lovingly prepared for the people around her. She did not believe good food should be rushed. She took her time, allowing every meal to be made with the patience and care it deserved. She once told her daughter that patience is the key to making a delicious meal—simple words that captured not only the way she cooked, but something beautiful about the way she lived. The things worth doing were worth giving time, attention, and love.

Above all, Elvira was a sweet and loving grandma. Her goodness was found in the little things: listening to someone’s story as though it were the most important story in the world, making a new friend wherever she went, prayer, bird watching, and taking her time to prepare something delicious for the people she loved. Throughout her life, she worked at Leggs Hosiery and later in the cafeteria at Holy Cross Catholic School, where her caring nature was felt by those around her.

Her family will miss those moments most of all, because they were the moments that made her who she was.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Roman Maese and Rose Marquez-Maese and her grandchildren Roman Paul Maese, Bianca Maese, Isabella Maese, siblings Luz Elena Telles, Jesus Jose Cisneros , and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Pablo Marquez in 2003 and other siblings.

A prayer vigil will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, 1240 South Espina, with a funeral mass to follow. The Rite of Christian Burial and interment will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 5140 West Picacho, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Though she will be deeply missed, the love, faith, patience, and kindness she gave so freely will remain in the lives of all who knew her.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 575-527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com