Mabel Bustos

Bustos, Mabel J. age 81 was returned to heaven Monday, Sep 27, 2021, she was originally from Pojoaque N.M and a resident of Albuquerque, NM. She is survived by her children Debbie and Victor Duran, Robert and Sandy Bustos, Ronnie Bustos and partner Jodi Yount. Grandchildren, Aaron Duran, Edward R. Bustos, Daniel E. Bustos, Robbie E. Bustos, Ronnie Gage Bustos, and Brittany Jacques. Sisters, Anita Olivas and Theresa Archer. Many nieces and nephews and extended family. She is proceeded in death by her husband Robert E. Bustos “Eddie “and Manuel Aragon a lifelong friend and companion. Kevin V. Duran her Grandson.

Mabel retired from the Dept of Human services after thirty (30) years of service as an administrative assistant to the director. She went on to take a Job at social security administration for 18 years and again retired. Mabel believed in a very strong work ethic and instilled those beliefs in her children and family.

Her husband passed away early in the marriage leaving her with three very young children. Her focus and goal were to raise them to be respectful and responsible adults. Dedicated to her children and always self-reliant, she was a mother, father, mentor and the sole provider for the house hold. She never uttered a complaint or spoke of regret. Smart and sharp as a whip everything she did was calculated and prepared for. She was admired and thought of as, an amazing independent woman. “Work hard and do the best you can, succeed and excel in anything you do” was her motto for her children. Considered the matriarch of the family yet modest, and at times shy, but when asked she would tell you exactly how she felt. She was funny and lovable and a person might wonder if she ever wasn’t totally serious, but when she laughed, she laughed hard. Thinking of her it can be said she was a true friend, a confidant, loving and fun well respected and trusted. When she spoke, she spoke of occasions such as birthdays and holidays and she loved the lobos and wouldn’t even think of answering the phone or the door when they played.

She was a beautiful photogenic woman with an amazing smile. She was always meticulously dressed and well put together. She loved her videos and making them for people she cared about to save as their own memories of good times. She took care of those around her and never said no to anyone in need. She enjoyed music, singing, dancing and traveling. After her second retirement she finally made to time to do the things she had sacrificed for us. Shopping was her field of expertise and a source of enjoyment. She had a keen sense for the art of a deal. There are few that can achieve the ½ of the ½ price, although she did. Our family never went without and Christmas was filled with treats and clothes, clothes and more clothes, never was there a want or need for anything she didn’t provide. When anything was needed miraculously it suddenly appeared. Red chili was her forte and dish of expertise. All the while we all bantered for who got more when it was made. Specially decorated cakes and treats were abundantly made. She lived a clean healthy life but she loved sweets and when she liked something, you knew it and she would just say “I’ll just try a little bite “. Sopapillas had no place near her as a diabetic, but they suddenly disappeared.

She passed peacefully in her sleep never alone and always surrounded by those that love her. She stayed at her home until the end and that is where she wanted to be and rightfully so. At this point the work is not yet done. She now watches over us and there are many expectations to be fulfilled and with her ever living strength we will all aspire to make her proud. MOM, we are all proud of you and everything you represent. How can you say thank you for so, so much? Thank you, MOM, for being everything to us all. Simple words and this space cannot do her any justice, its just an attempt to reach the heart of those who read and can embrace.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Bustos and Alexis Ramos, Robbie Bustos, Aaron Duran and Veronica Ortega Ronnie Gage Bustos and Brittany Rae Jacques. Honorary pallbearer will be Edward Bustos.

Services will be held on Tuesday Oct 5, 2021 at Holy Family Church at 562 Atrisco Dr S.W . Viewing beginning at 8:00-8:30am Rosary will be recited starting at 8:30am and Celebration of life Mass at 9:00am. Interment will follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery. Reception will be held at Olympus events at 4519 Vista Fuente N.W