Margaret Helen
Noriega (Lovato)
Our beloved Margaret Helen Noriega, 84, entered into the loving presence of her Lord on October 11, 2026. June 19, 1942 – October 11, 2026. She passed peacefully at home in Grants, New Mexico, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Margaret was born in Minturn, Colorado, to Mary Adrian Lovato (Baros) and Eliseo Lovato. One of eight children, she was always proud to be their daughter. The close bonds she shared with her parents and siblings became the foundation of the love she poured into her own family.
Margaret loved being part of our lives. She remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and dates the rest of us might forget. She wanted to hear our news, celebrate our accomplishments, and be there for the moments that mattered. No celebration was too small, and she traveled many miles to make sure she didn’t miss one. Somehow, she made everyone feel certain they were her favorite.
We will remember laughing with her until we cried, watching movies together, listening to her stories, and enjoying the simple comfort of her company. She loved music, dancing, traveling, her cats, and every chance to cheer for the Denver Broncos. Time together was what she treasured most, and she gave us so many memories to hold close.
Her love of Christ was a steady part of her life. She served through church childcare, jail ministries, and volunteering with senior citizens. She was a godmother to many, standing beside them at baptisms and confirmations and sharing in their lives of faith as a sponsor. She took particular pride in her work with Eagle County, helping families facing language barriers find assistance and building friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and members of the Medina family remained close to her heart.
Margaret is survived by her husband, John Noriega; her children, Rhonda Baca, Becky Martinez and her husband Rodney, and Martin Medina and his wife Haley; her stepchildren, Mike Noriega and his wife Larissa, Dwayne Noriega, Monica Tanner and her husband Rory, and Lance Noriega; her brother, Bobby Lobato; her sisters-in-law, Judy Lovato, Billie Jean Lovato, and Bea Merill; and her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Adrian Lovato (Baros) and Eliseo Lovato; her sons, Manuel and Ray Medina; her son-in-law, Richard Baca; her siblings, Bena Miller, Hank Lovato, Jimmy Lovato, Joe Lovato, Lucy Borell, and Fred Lovato; her stepson, Eric Noriega; and so many other loved ones we remember alongside her.
Our family would like to thank the Grants Fire Department, the staff at Cibola General Hospital, Compassus, Dr. Rocha, and Mt. Taylor Mortuary for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Margaret and all of us throughout her illness and passing. We are deeply grateful for the comfort and support you gave our family when we needed it most.
In accordance with her wishes, Margaret will be cremated and laid to rest with her parents in Minturn, Colorado. Please visit Mt. Taylor Funerals & Cremations website at www.mttaylorfunerals.com for details about the celebration of her life.
We will miss her stories, her laughter, and having her here to share our lives. Most of all, we will carry with us the love she made sure we felt.