Andrea Adelina Ochoa, 88, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, in Pagosa Springs. A rosary was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial took place Monday, Oct. 6, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, officiated by Father Don Malin. Burial was at Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs.
Mrs. Ochoa was born Sept. 9, 1926, in Arboles, the daughter of Enriquez and Sarah Chavez. She grew up in Arboles and was from a ranching family. She assisted with tasks on the ranch at an early age. The family moved to Pagosa Springs in the late 1940s. Mrs. Ochoa was married at a young age to Jose Cristobel Valdez. He passed away Feb. 27, 1962. She later married Tony Ochoa in September of 1962.
Andrea was very family oriented and put her family first in every decision. She kept her family unified. She was a hard and diligent worker. Many knew her from seeing her walk to work. She cleaned and cared for several hotels in Pagosa. She was loved and known by many in Pagosa. She also enjoyed traveling to the casino for bingo. She was a gifted seamstress and an excellent cook.
Mrs. Ochoa is survived by Emily (Shorty) Bell, of Pagosa Springs; Lucille (Joe) Martinez, of Bayfield; Sabina (Andy) Archuleta, of Pagosa Springs; Gloria (Jerry) Bird, of Tolar, Texas; Christina (Bernie) Lucero, of Pagosa Springs; Chris (Suzanna) Valdez, of Hobbs, N.M.; Robert (Angie) Ochoa, of Pagosa Springs; Rick (Angela) Ochoa, of Pagosa Springs; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Ochoa was preceded in death by daughters Eleanor Valdez, Lorraine Valdez and Toni Marie Ochoa; spouses Jose Christobel Valdez and Tony Ochoa; her parents Enrique and Sarah Chavez; two brothers and four sisters.
