Albuquerque Journal - September 11, 2003

Amalia Olivas Saiz, age 91, passed away September 9, 2003 in Santa Rosa. Amalia was born March 10, 1912 in Colonias, NM to the home of Cipriano and Maria Sena Olivas. She was reared and attended schools in Colonias and Santa Rosa. After graduation Amalia attended Normal University in Las Vegas where she received her teacing certificate. Amalia then went on to teaching school in Puerto De Luna, Santa Rosa and Pintada where she was also Principal. Amalia married Donato R. Saiz August 4, 1930 in Santa Rosa. She loved to sew, gardening, crossword puzzles and taking care of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Amalia is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donato R. Saiz; son, Ramon "Boo Boo" Saiz; great-grandson, Baby Andrew Sena; sister, Delfina Maez. Survivors include her daughter, Gloria Chavez of Santa Rosa; granddaughters, Michelle Baca and husband, Edward of Santa Rosa, Gina Sena and husband, Andrew of Santa Rosa and Alexandria Ortega and Zachery Beck of Calrsbad; great- grandchildren, Timothy Baca, Khadijah Sena, Joshuah Sena, Santiago Ortega, Czarina Ortega and Ethan Chavez. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, Olivar Olivas of Albuquerque, Tony Olivas of Burlingame, CA, Ophelia Smith and husband Albert of San Diego, CA and Maria (Fanny) Woodruff and husband, Loy of Cornersville, TN; sister-in- law, Agnes Seidel of Santa Rosa; along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary Services will be conducted on Thursday evening at 8:00 p.m. at St. Rose Church in Santa Rosa. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. also at St.Rose Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Burial will follow in the famly plot at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Edward Baca, Andrew Sena, Zachery Beck, Timmy Baca, Joseph Olivas and Jack Markham. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be the rest of her grandchildren. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South 3rd St., Santa Rosa, NM (505)472-3369. For online condolences please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.