Joy Mondragon, age 57, passed away unexpectedly on February 25th, 2023. She was born July 1965 in Alamosa CO. to Carlos “Charlie” Mondragon, and Lucy Valdez. Growing up she lived in Colorado and Wyoming, before settling in New Mexico at a young age with her father, and siblings. Joy was always more of a tom boy and was more often than not, always getting into messes and mischief. Growing up she was also very competitive and athletic. This continued into her teens where she was an all-around athlete in volleyball, track, and basketball. She lettered in multiple sports, was on the honor roll, and graduated from Taos High School in 1983. Joy had many career paths that she explored but eventually found her calling as a care giver for home health.
Joy was a very loving, giving, and caring person, who was always available to help in any way that she could. That love for others showed in the pride and joy she took in being a caregiver throughout her life. For 26 years she took care of her partner Gilbert, after his accident leaving him paralyzed. These two were always on the go and could be seen anywhere from in town, to the mountains, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and sometimes Colorado. The love they had for each other showed in their happiness for these years until his unexpected death in 2019. On any given day Joy would always have a smile on her face and a hug for anyone she saw. She was always laughing, making jokes, talking, and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She also loved being outdoors, gardening, exploring in the mountains, baking, cooking, and playing games. Joy was a wonderful daughter, sister, niece, partner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend. We are all so blessed and grateful for the years we had her in our lives and for all the memories we made along the way.
Joy is preceded in death by her longtime partner, Gilbert Gonzales, and her father Charlie Mondragon. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Gonzales (Pat Garcia), grandsons, Mateo and Tomas Garcia, granddaughter, Jaynie Bowes (Brent), and great-grandchildren, Aria and Jayden sisters, Lupita Mondragon, Patsy Torres (Jesse), Valorie Mondragon (David Weaver), brothers, Gene Mondragon (Joyce), Carlos Mondragon, all her nieces, nephews, many relatives, and friends.
Rosary will be recited Friday, March 10th at 6 PM at Rivera Chapel in Taos. Funeral mass will be on Saturday, March 11th at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Interment for Joy at The Llano Quemado Cemetery will be announced on a later date.
NOTE: LOCATION OF ROSARY WAS CHANGED TO FUNERAL HOME.
Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com
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About |
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| Name | Joy Charla Mondragon |
| Date of Birth | 1965 |
| Date of Death | February 25th, 2023 |
| Home Town | Taos, NM, US |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Taos | |
| Address |
818 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Taos NM 87571 United States |
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published a tribute .
If I could talk to you just one more time I would tell you how much I love you, I would tell you how I’m going to miss you so much momma, how proud I am to be yours, and how lucky I am to have had you with me all these years. I know things aren’t flowers and rainbows with us but you were always there for me and our family, and you are such an important part of our lives. You and dad taught me patience, even though dad was more patient with me than you, but you taught me something even more important: Compassion, love, and understanding. You taught me to help when I can and be there for someone if needed. You always told me, “you never know someone’s situation honey, always be mindful of that.” You lived and loved by this and have impacted so many lives along the way including my own. Every step of the way you have been with me, encouraging me, helping me, and contributing to who I am as a person. I’m not perfect, neither were you, but you have so much love to give and we all felt it everyday in so many ways. You did the best you could with me, dad, our family, and yourself, and I am proud you are my mom. The pain and confusion I feel right now will never go away and my thoughts are all over the place. Why you? Why now? Was daddy calling you home? We’re you tired and heaven opened a place for you in the arms of peace? Were you needed there more than here with us? You mean so much to so many but you mean the world to me and I don’t know how I’m going to navigate a world without you, a world where I can’t see or hear you. The thought absolutely breaks my heart. Despite that hurt, I do feel so thankful and blessed that I have so many memories of you: Funny, crazy, loving, frustrating memories. I wouldn’t change them for the anything and I hope that you are looking in on us with pride. You were such a solid constant rock for so many, the glue that held others together, but I hope you know you were a boulder for me. Always a steady hand to hold, an ear to listen, and never far away when I needed you. You never chose sides, never asked questions if needed you to be there, never judged me harshly, never made me feel like I was less than, and after I would vent or we would just chat I always felt so happy, and relieved. You made me feel like a million bucks sometimes just being there for me and you could bring me reassurance and peace when I didn’t think it was possible. I wanted so much better for you after dad left this earth but you were never one to do things any other way than on your own terms and time. You were never one to do anything but whatever you wanted and that was that. That’s one of the things that frustrated me to no end but also one of the things I loved the most about you. I wish we would have done more together. I wish we could have seen more of the amazing things you wanted to travel and see but I’m so thankful for the times we did spend exploring. You were a such a wonderfully strong person momma and I can only hope to have as much love, strength and determination as you. Im so shattered that you left me physically but I know you will forever be in my heart and a small part of you will always live on in my soul. I love you momma and good or bad I will cherish every memory I have with you ❤️ Please give dad, grandpa Simon, and grandpa Charlie a hug and kiss for me
published a comment .
Hita, you are an amazing woman and the joy of both your mom and dad. They are very proud of you, as I am. I will always be here for you, please don't forget that. May God carry your broken heart and help you through this very difficult time in your life. Love you hita.
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Sadness fills my heart knowing this. I will always remember playing ball
published a comment .
Condolence to all of Joy's family, what am amazing strong woman she was, May her soul rest in peace. God bless you all.
published a comment .
What a beautiful tribute to your amazing mom. I'm blessed to have meet your parents. You All are such wonderful amazing people. May God give you strength, peace and comfort. Please know we are here for you.
My condolences to you and your family.
Love you!
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