Emma Orona Samaniego

Emma Orona Samaniego, 81, of W. Irvin Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away April 20, 2015 at Carlsbad Medical Center. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Monday, April 27, 2015 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2015, 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2015, 10:00 AM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Martin Cordero officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Emma Orona Samaniego was born May 1, 1933 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Jose Angel and Bartola (Carrasco) Orona. She married Reyes Samaniego June 6, 1954 here in Carlsbad. Emma volunteered at Head Start when it was first established in 1965. Because of her love for children, she went back to school, earning a degree in education from ENMU and then began teaching at Head Start until retiring after 35 years. Emma enjoyed being with her family, playing bingo and music. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reyes "Yito" Samaniego; brothers: Augustine Orona, Jose Orona, Ignacio Orona; sisters: Alicia Saiz and Mary Lopez. Survivors are her sons: Reyes "Rick" Samaniego, III of Carlsbad, NM, Ernesto Samaniego and wife, Teresa of Plano, TX, Donald "Ace" Samaniego of Carlsbad, NM, Mark Samaniego and wife, Grace of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren: Teresa Cuvi and husband, Alfredo, Reyes Samaniego, IV and wife, Ileene, Jacob Samaniego, Clarissa Florez and husband, Michael, Ciera Bey Samaniego; brothers: Nieves Orona and wife, Helen, Ray Orona and wife, Cecilia and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Reyes "Rick" Samaniego, Ernesto Samaniego, Donald "Ace" Samaniego, Mark Samaniego, Reyes Samaniego, IV and Jacob Samaniego. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Urquidez, Sirildo Rascon, Dave Najar, Carlos Orosco and Rudy Munoz. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.