Stephanie Lynn Padilla

Stephanie Padilla

Stephanie Lynn Padilla went home peacefully on July 22, 2022, surrounded by her loving family in Albuquerque, N.M. She was 49 years old. She is survived by her husband, Rumaldo, and their children, Rumaldo Jr., Michael, and Emmalee Padilla.

Stephanie is also survived by her mother, Pamela Coates (Frank); birth father, Eugene Padilla (Rose); and brothers Frankie Coates and George Coates (Audrey). She is also survived by siblings Steven, James, Daniel, Sonny, and JoAnne Padilla.

She is survived by her grandmother, Gertrude Padilla, and her grandchild, Alexia Padilla.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, George and Emma Brown, and, Florentino Padilla.

Stephanie Lynn Padilla was born on April 5, 1973, in Albuquerque, N.M. It was clear from the start that she was going to be “little-itty-bitty.”  She was a beautiful, dark-haired, doe-eyed baby, and she was the apple of her family’s eye.

Early on, Pam became a single mom, so Steph spent a lot of quality time growing up with Grandma and Grandpa Brown. They were definitely her “Safe Place,” and she was a happy little girl. She also spent so much time with us at softball games and on vacation trips that people often commented on our darling little daughter. And I never corrected them!

She went skiing with us, to Disneyland, the beach, San Francisco (Story), and to see the giant Sequoias; After driving clear cross country to see these majestic trees, the Classic Quote: “You’ve seen one tree, you’ve seen ‘em all.” Never try to impress pre-teens who just want to read their mags and listen to their music.

Stephanie attended West Mesa High School and later trained to be a hairdresser. She married Rumaldo Padilla and was a devoted mom. She was always happiest when she was with family, especially when we made our traditional tamales, biscochitos, and empanadas during the holidays! She loved all things fast food too, but she loved Taco Bell soft tacos and french fries the most. She never made friends with her dentures, but she could still polish off a meal without them. Amazing. She’s definitely related to this family of foodies!

Steph struggled with adult-onset diabetes, which plagues several extended family members and it severely affected her vision. Always very close, this contributed to the special bond with her daughter, Emalee. They went everywhere together with Em as chauffeur and Steph’s guide. They were inseparable and best buddies, ALWAYS!

Stephanie was a “girlie girl”. She loved experimenting with hair and makeup. She would do Em’s hair as well as her own. And, she loved taking lots of selfies, and Facebook. And, back rubs, and playing absent-mindedly with a lock of her hair.

Em recalls her mom often calling for her, and when she checked to see what she wanted, Steph would show her the “peace sign.” (Demonstrate!)  This shorthand meant Steph wanted a backrub for just two minutes. Yeah! Way longer, of course. Em remembers how she dreaded that “peace sign.” Now, she would give anything for just two minutes more.

Her son’s were also very special to her, shy, unassuming just like Stephanie. They have no words for their loss.

Steph’s mom, Pam, remembers when Steph was slow to start talking. But, she didn’t need to - she would just point her finger at what she wanted and wiggle ‘til they figured it out. And it worked for her.

Memories of our beloved Stephanie. Her ashes will be held by her immediate family to be spread at a later date. I end with these words, taken from an ancient Irish blessing:

Into the sadness and smiles of our memories, we

Let you go.

Into the freedom of the wind and sunshine.

Into the dance of the stars and planets,

Into the wind’s breath and the

Hands of the star maker, we let you go.

We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy,

Go safely, go dancing, go running home to the arms of God.

-Amen

Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Legacy Church East located at 4701 Wyoming Blvd. N.E. (one block North of Montgomery on Wyoming Blvd.)

Pastor Tony Ramirez will officiate. There will be a reception immediately following at the church.

Arrangements Entrusted to the caring professionals of:

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

110 Alvarado Drive SE

Albuquerque, NM 87108

 (505) 433-7747