Leonila (Castillo) Maestas

Leonila "Nila" Maestas, a beloved mother, wife, and woman of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026. She was born in Belen, New Mexico, on January 17, 1940, to Ernest and Leonor "Nora" Castillo. Nila's large family included her siblings, Ernest, Dolores, Corrine, Rita, Toby, Veronica, Joseph, and David.

Nila was a woman of deep faith, remarkable strength, determination, and compassion. Her life was guided by her love for Jesus Christ and her devotion to her family.

As a young girl, Nila attended St. Mary's School and cherished the memories of her time there. From an early age, she felt called to a life of service and longed to become a missionary. At the age of sixteen, she entered the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. After three years of discernment, she prayerfully decided not to take her final vows and returned home.

It was after her return that she met the man who would become the love of her life. While she was sitting in a car with a family member near Circle T Burger, a friend pointed out a young man and told her, "That's Johnny. He just got home from the Army." It was the first time Nila saw John "Johnny" Maestas. Their paths crossed again when Johnny and his friend later drove to the home of Nila's cousins, where she was staying. Johnny went to the door to ask for her, and from there, their relationship blossomed. They eventually married and shared fifty-six years together.

Nila and Johnny were blessed with five children: Juan, Joe, Marie, Christopher, and Anthony. Their first child, Juan, tragically passed away in a car accident before reaching the age of eighteen. The loss of their son was one of the deepest sorrows they endured together, strengthening the bond of love and faith that carried them through life's most difficult moments.

Nila devoted herself to raising her children and instilling in them the Catholic faith. She taught her family the importance of prayer, love, perseverance, and a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Her faith remained steadfast throughout her life. During her final stay in the hospital, she received the Sacrament of Last Rites and received Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. She also asked her family to pray with her, reflecting the deep faith that had guided her throughout her life.

Those who knew Nila will remember her as one of the strongest people they ever knew. She possessed an extraordinary determination and a kind and loving heart. She gave freely and selflessly to her family, and the love she showed them can never truly be repaid.

Her children will forever cherish the memory of the mother who gave them life, nurtured them, taught them their faith, and showed them how to live with strength, compassion, and love. Her influence will remain in the lives of her family for generations to come.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that her faith has brought her home to the Lord she loved and served throughout her life. May her memory forever be cherished, and may her soul rest in eternal peace.

Services for Leonila will take place on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A visitation will be held at 9:00 am, followed by a rosary at 9:30 am. A mass will be recited after, at 10:00 am. Leonila will then be laid to rest at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens Cemetery immediately following services.

Leonila's arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

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