Sophie Pacheco

Sophie Pacheco, 80, Local Ranchos de Taos Resident and Community Volunteer passed away on June 25, 2006.

On many occasions at the end of her life some would call her Doña Sophronia. A great honor bestowed upon an ordinary woman with an extraordinary heart. Little in her life was about what she accomplished for herself but about what she gave to others and how she could be of service. The elderly, the needy and the down in spirit were often the recipients of her amazing faith, generosity and goodwill.

Throughout her life she had a strong relationship with the Presbyterian Church. In particular the Ranchos de Taos Church, serving in many capacities, including board member and volunteer extraordinaire of the Loma Verde Summer Camp for children. In her later years she would devote herself tirelessly to Habitat for Humanity as a board member, fundraiser, and a hand with a hammer and a broom, working locally and in Mexico and Cuba. Even when immigrant rights and environmental conservation were not popular Sophie was in the forefront in her community finding resolution and educating those around her by example. She is known to many for her constant attention to conservation, and her daily bike rides to work. She was making and delivering meals, long before "Meals on Wheels" and always had someone she needed to visit with a smile and a prayer.

Over the past 20 years serving as sales clerk of Navajo Silver and recently The Covered Wagon - stores owned by her son and daughter–in law, George and Lyndee Cook - she was an ever pleasant greeter for those travelers seeking not only Native American crafts but local advice and stories given with a warm heart. She had a great affinity for the Hispanic and Native American cultures, understanding the importance of keeping those cultures vibrant and alive in this ever-present movement towards assimilation.

With her heart always in Taos, even when she left to reside elsewhere she always returned, as she has once more. Born and raised in the then small villages of Ranchitos and Ranchos de Taos, to Ramoncita Vialpando Pacheco and Manuel Lauro Pacheco, on April 14th 1926. She was one of six sisters & four brothers with only the oldest and youngest sisters, Juanita Isabel Garcia of Ranchos de Taos and Maria Laura Riddle, of Hartsville, PA. surviving.

From her first marriage to Gaines Allen Cook, daughter Catherine Cook Gerry and her son, of Stone Ridge, NY and son George Allen Cook and his five children of Albuquerque, NM, survive her. David Cook, a second son from her marriage to Mr. Cook, died at the young age of three of accidental causes. She missed him dearly. From her second marriage to Tito Martinez, an only son Arthur Martinez and his life long partner Cathy Baca survive her. Many nieces and nephews also survive her.

For those who knew and loved her, the last six months of her life were a gift of love and support for all as she struggled with bone cancer. She can now rest in peace as she has gone home. Ahora está en paz al lado de Dios.

Evening service was held on, June 28, 2006 at Rivera Chapel in Taos. Funeral service was held on June 29, 2006 at Ranchos Presbyterian Church. Interment was held at Descanso Cemetery.