Shirley Griego

Shirley Anne Griego, 67, was called Home by our Lord and Savior on January 5th, 2021. She entered this world on September 3, 1953 to Eduardo and Isabelita Roche. Shortly after graduating from West Mesa High School in 1971, she married her husband George Griego and started her family here in the North Valley. She began working at Mission Avenue Elementary where she was able to influence the lives of not only students, but staff as well. Shirley brought joy and inspiration to the children she taught and after 25 years she retired, maintaining many special friendships with those she worked with.

Shirley was loved dearly by her family, friends, and neighbors. She delighted in watching her husband, children, and grandchildren participate in a variety of sporting events. Her love of the mountains is unparalleled. Camping trips and family gatherings brought her great joy. In her free time, Shirley loved to take drives to the mountains to enjoy the leaves changing with the new season. She had a special ability for bringing God’s message to everyone she met. Through her compassion, joy, humor, and loving heart, she was able to spread the love of God to others. Shirley’s soul and inspiration in life were God, her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her Father Eduardo C. Roche. Shirley is survived by her husband George Griego of 46 years. Mother: Isabelita Roche. Children: Dionne Griego, Daniel and Casandra Griego. Grandchildren: Timmy Salazar Jr., Desiree and Ryan Santillanes, Alyssa Salazar, Jacqueline Chavez, Gabriel Salazar, Isabella Chavez and three Great Grandchildren Jonah Salazar, and Reese and Riley Santillanes. Siblings: Roy and Debbie Roche, Edward and Darleen Roche, Steve Roche, Virginia Martinez, Fern and Alex Gurule, Bernice and Manuel Cordova, Carmen and Francisco Gonzalez, Rita Logan, Don Griego, Gilbert and Rosemary Griego, Ann Chavez and Leroy Romero, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She had an impact on all those she met and will be missed, and remembered by many.

Family wishes to thank Hospice of New Mexico (Amanda Lucero, Natalie Chavez, Corey Zimmerman, and April Goldtooth) for their kindness and loving care of Shirley during her illness.

Honorary Pallbearers: Tomas Martinez, Gabriel Roche, Donnie Cordova, Brandon Baldonado, John Griego, Natalie Roche, Alejandro Gurule, Dante Logan, Eric Griego, and Brian Chavez.

Viewing for Shirley will be held at Gabaldon Mortuary (located at 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW Albuquerque, NM 87121) January 21, 2021 between 4:30 and 6PM.

Because of COVID restrictions a memorial service will be held at a later date.