Elizabeth Rose Lucero

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Elizabeth Rose Lucero, age 83, a woman of great strength, independence, and tenacity. Liz transitioned out of this life on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Lizardo “Larry” F. Maestas, whom she missed dearly. We pray that she is at peace having finally been reunited with her son.

She is survived by her two loving daughters: Christine L. Montoya, Yvonne “Voni” Ulibarri de Garcia (Chuck Garcia); four grandchildren: Antonio “Tony” Ulibarri (Jessica), Cymone Bollinger (Robert), Jon Paul Ulibarri (Yvette), Isabella Rose Montoya, with whom she shared a unique and special bond; four great-grandchildren: Santiago Gallegos, Solana Leyba, Ezekiel Ulibarri, Elias Ulibarri; as well as her siblings, nieces, great-nieces and nephews, and many other family members and dear friends.

She was born on September 11, 1942, in Gallup, New Mexico, and moved to Albuquerque a few years later where she spent the remainder of her life.

Liz graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1960. The majority of her occupational journey was devoted to working at the General Electric (GE) aircraft engine plant in Albuquerque where she retired. Although this career afforded her the opportunity to provide for her family, it also required her to navigate male-dominated spaces, systemic sexism, and harassment at a time when women’s voices had not become mainstream.

Nothing in her life was more fulfilling or meaningful than raising three children on her own. It was her biggest challenge and her proudest accomplishment. As a single mother in the 70’s, she faced significant judgment and stigmatization. Yet, she carried on with dignity, strength, and resolve.

Liz had a palate for simple and comforting food and drink. In her younger years, she would partake in a bottle of T.J. Swann, purchased from Stadium Liquors after work on payday Fridays to cash her check. In her later years, one sip of wine would lead to lots of laughs for the benefit of her family. Liz loved to shop and frequented thrift and antique stores, collecting various items over the years that she proudly displayed in her home.

We want to express our sincerest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Lovelace Heart Hospital. Your care, grace, and compassion will forever be remembered and appreciated.

Thank you to all of her dear friends whom she truly adored and treasured. She deeply cherished your companionship, conversation, and support. Your unwavering friendship brought her great comfort and joy.

In lieu of flowers, as a tribute to Liz’s peculiarities that we recall with fondness, please consider doing the following in her honor: water the yard in the heat of the day; refuse to leave the house without earrings; always have cold soda and nuts available; ask your grandchildren to set their Alexa to remind you of your appointments; warm up weeks old leftovers in a pan with a hefty amount of butter (it’ll be fine); when you’re not sure what to say but don’t want a conversation to end, just say “Anyway…”; or, spit on a napkin and use it to clean the faces of others. If you really want to express your love for Liz, consider writing your congressional representatives to push for the end daylight savings time, which caused her great anguish and aggravation. 

Elizabeth's Life Celebration will begin with a Mass on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9:00am at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church located at 9502 4th St. NW, 87114. Reception will follow inside the Parish Hall.