Amalia Salazar Archuleta

Amalia Teresa Salazar Archuleta, 106, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on January 5, 2021 after suffering from a stroke.

Amalia was born on October 15, 1914, to Juan and Isabel Vigil in Sapello, New Mexico.  She was raised by her paternal grandparents following the death of her mother.  She completed eight years of education in a little one room schoolhouse.  At the age of fourteen, she went to study with the Catholic nuns in Roy, New Mexico, to be a lay teacher preparing Catholic children to receive their sacraments.

She grew up knowing Agapito Salazar, whom as a little boy helped out at her parent’s home when workers were assisting Amalia’s father on his farm.  Amalia’s mother, Isabel, would have him watch baby Amalia while she prepared the meal for the workers.  Agapito was seven years older than Amalia.  Amalia’s mother passed away when Amalia was two and a-half due to complications of childbirth so Amalia didn’t have any memories of her mother.  Agapito would share his memories with her.  As she grew older and was quite fond of Agapito, they would court (date for you younger generations) by letters.  Oftentimes, Agapito would ride his horse by Amalia’s grandparent’s home to catch a glimpse of her and hope that she also saw him.  They were wed on April 1, 1934, going on to have fifteen children; Agapitao Felipe, Epifanio Bruno, Patricia Rosella, Alfonso Arturo, Diana Natalia, Isabella Louvina, Victoria Anita, Josefita Adelina, Louis Martin Ignacio, Amalia Teresa, Thomas Henry, Juan Rufino, Jerome (Jeri) Consuelo, Darlene Theresine and Michael David.  Agapito Sr. passed away on November 13, 1965, leaving her with five minor children to raise.  On May 26, 1979, she married Robert Archuleta.  On January 7, 1994, he was placed to rest.

Amalia lived her life as a homemaker loving and caring for her family.  Family was always her highest priority after her Lord.  She was an amazing cook, baker, seamstress, you name it.  There wasn’t anything that little lady couldn’t accomplish.

Amalia was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Isabel Vigil; her daughter, Amalia; her husbands, Agapito and Robert; her sister, Escolastica Garcia; her brothers, Domingo, Felipe, Gilbert, Guillermo, John and Tom Vigil; her granddaughter, Julie Ann Romero; grandsons, Robert Salazar and Robert Sandoval; great grandchildren, Steven Joseph Rasmussen, Jesse and Aerial Lockhart; daughter in-law, Francis Salazar and son in-law, Robert Sandoval.  Amalia is survived by Agapito Jr. Salazar of Highlands Ranch, CO; Epifanio (Hermine) Salazar of Shuertz, TX; Patricia (Daniel) Abeyta of Westminster, CO; Alfonso Salazar of Wheat Ridge, CO; Diana (Armando) Sandoval of San Antonio, TX; Isabella (Ray) Garcia of Arvada, CO; Victoria (Tom) Romero of Henderson, NV; Josefita (Gil) Rael of Grand Junction, CO; Louis (Kathy) Salazar of Great Bend, KS; Thomas (Cindy) Salazar of Commerce City, CO; Juan Salazar of Thornton, CO; Jerome (Jeri) (Randy) Bruner of Madera, CA; Darlene (Bob) Rasmussen of Denver, CO; and Michael (Shirley) Salazar of Brighton, CO.  She is also survived by approximately 41 grandchildren, 82 great grandchildren and 24 (plus two on the way) great great grandchildren.  Plus numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 5pm to 7pm at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel in Thornton, CO. Please prepare to wear your mask, and refrain from physical embraces. There will be a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 13, 2020 at 11:30am MST and will be available to view online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuY5yB5E6dI&feature=youtu.be Thank you for your understanding and support.

Please share memories of Amalia and condolences with her family and many friends by visiting the Tribute Wall.