Shirley Capener

Shirley Capener, Age 64, born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico was called to our Heavenly Father on Monday, August 10, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend.

She was born to Edumenio and Angelina Montoya who preceded her in death as well as her older sister Eva Merlyn Montoya and brother in-law Epi Chavez, to whom she has now joyfully reunited with.

She is survived by her son Eric Capener and daughter-in-law Whitney, grandchildren: Logan, Chloe, Connor, Juliette: daughter Stephanie Meyer and husband Greg, granddaughter Lola, son Lawrence Capener, sisters: Rosemary Chavez, Gina Montoya-Varela and husband Frank; brothers: Eddie Montoya and Moya; Jerry Montoya and wife Betty; ommy Montoya and Kathy; David Montoya and wife Tami, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and many friends.

Shirley served God as she compassionately served His people as a dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant. She is especially remembered very fondly for her tender loving care to the Felician Sisters at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent where she cared for retired Catholic nuns. Shirley served as an extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in her parish, St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. She also was a member of the Order of Malta Auxiliary, where she served as a Secretary which is dedicated to serving the sick and the poor.

She had an amazing heart and had unwavering strength, gifts she received by God. She possessed a natural gift caring for others and lived her life placing the needs of others before her own. Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family and friends was the foundation of who she was. Her Catholic faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Deeply devoted to her beliefs, Shirley was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Lourdes, France in 2008. This experience reflected her lifelong calling to service, compassion, and love for others.

Above all, Shirley wholeheartedly treasured her family, especially all her grandchildren. She was a devoted and loving mother to Eric, Stephanie, and Lawrence and her greatest joy was watching her family grow.

Shirley also found happiness in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. She loved Charlie Brown who was her first true love, bunnies, and the color purple. Shirley loved to sew, cross-stitch and most of all shopping with her sisters.

Shirley was a registered organ donor and upon her passing she went on to save three lives by donating her liver and her kidneys and many others with tissue donation. Even in death, she was able to help others because she was a true servant of God.

Those who knew Shirley will remember her not only for what she loved, but for how she made others feel. She loved deeply, gave generously, and cared without hesitation. Her presence brought comfort and warmth, and her absence leaves a space that can never be filled.

Shirley’s life was one of faith, love, family, compassion, and service. Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Shirley's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church located at 1502 Sara Road, 87124. Mass will begin at 10:30am. She will then be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery located at 924 Menaul Blvd NE, 87107. Reception will begin at 2:00pm back at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Parish Hall.

Pallbearers will be Eric Capener, Eddie Montoya, Jerry Montoya, Tommy Montoya, David Montoya, and Frank Varela.