Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Michelle Benavidez, age 52, passed away on April 17th, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and compassion that will never be forgotten.
Born in California, Michelle spent most of her life in Los Lunas, New Mexico, where she built a life centered around family, creativity, and caring for others. She was known for her strong spirit and her deeply loving nature. To those closest to her, she was not just a mother, but a best friend, a protector, and a constant source of comfort.
Michelle had a unique creative gift—whether she was writing, making clothes, or designing stickers, she poured her heart into everything she created. She found joy in the little things and had a special love for the Smurfs, especially Smurfette, which reflected her playful and warm personality.
She embraced her individuality with pride—often seen in her signature lip liner and blue bandana, a look that was unapologetically Michelle. She was truly one of a kind—an original in every sense of the word.
Above all, Michelle cherished her family. She was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother who loved her children and grandchildren more than anything in this world. Her love was unconditional, fierce, and ever-present.
Michelle is survived by her loving children, Phillip Benavidez, Isabella Martinez, and Christopher Benavidez; and her cherished grandchildren, Isaac Benavidez, Isaiah Martinez, Michael Martinez, Trinity Santistevan, Leónidas Santistevan, and Iris Santistevan.
She was preceded in death by her son, Isaac Benavidez; her mother, Geraldine Benavidez; her grandmother, Estella Chick and her grandfather, Eddie Benavidez.
Michelle also had a heart for others. She was known for opening her home and her heart to those in need—helping young people who had nowhere to go and making sure no one around her went hungry. Her kindness and generosity touched many lives, far beyond her own family.
Michelle faced life with incredible strength, even through its hardest moments. Her resilience and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michelle (Benavidez) Benavidez, please visit our floral store.