Maria C. Botts

Maria Consuelo Vargas Botts, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, October 25, 2021.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 32 years Harry R. Botts; parents Julian and Modesta Vargas; sisters: Frances, Guadalupe, Josie, Nettie, Valentina; brothers: Manual, Nicholas, and Rudolfo.

Maria is survived by her step-son Robert "Bob" Botts and wife Gloria; daughters: Pamela "Pam" Sims and husband Luke, Mary Markowski and husband Gary; brother Juan Vargas and wife Denise; sister Isabel Barreras; and three grandchildren: Harrison Sims, Christopher Botts, and Kari Joseph.

Maria was known by her family and friends as “Connie” or “Consie”. She was born on July 8, 1940 in  Albuquerque, New Mexico to Mexican immigrant parents, Julian and Modesta Vargas. Her early years were spent in Albuquerque in a loving and reverent home. She was the youngest of 11 children. She graduated from Albuquerque High School. She attended San Jose Catholic Church.

She met the love of her life at the State Fair in 1958. Harry was a WWII veteran and an electro-metallurgical engineer with the Sandia Laboratory. Connie, Harry, and his son from a prior marriage, Bob, were soon joined by daughters Pam, and Mary. Opportunities beckoned, and the family moved to California in 1968, Harry taking a job at Hoffman Electronics and later Teledyne Cast Products, while Connie raised their three children in a caring home with the values she learned from her family: that God is present in our lives, that hard work will earn you a happy life, and that it is okay to have a little fun once and awhile.

A resident of San Dimas, California for nearly five decades, Connie enjoyed her family life in her small community, particularly in the cultivation of a variety of exotic plant life that filled her garden with color and her heart with joy. She took pride in nurturing (back to abundant life!) tired succulents. Connie was known for her cooking, enjoyed family “poker night”, bingo at the church, and quilting. When asked a question that crossed the line, her wry response to those that dared, “leave it alone”. And, she meant it!

Harry passed away in 1991, a tragedy from which she never recovered. Ultimately Connie relocated to Texas in 2020. Cancer suddenly took her from us.

Maria's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 5:30 pm in the Reflections of Life Chapel® of Reflections Funerals & Life Celebrations/Salazar Funeral Homes & Crematory located at 2400 Washington St NE, 87110. Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm. Final Viewing will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 9:30am at San Jose Parish located at 2401 Broadway Blvd. SE, 87102. Mass will begin at 10:00am. She will be laid to rest with Harry following the Mass at the Santa Fe National Cemetery located at 501 N. Guadalupe St, Santa Fe 87501.