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Maria Elena (Beh-hwi) Roybal, 62, of San Ildefonso Pueblo, formerly of the Pueblo of Isleta, entered into God's loving arms on September 2, 2006. Maria, as she was affectionately known, was a unique woman of enormous talent, energy, and devotion to her creator, husband, family, and legions of friends. Maria was born on November 9, 1943 to Jose Rey and Caroline (Garcia) Olguin of Isleta Pueblo. Maria is survived by her husband, David Roybal of San Ildefonso; daughters, Sharon Aguilar and husband, John of San Ildefonso Pueblo, Karen Candelaria and husband, Kevin of San Felipe Pueblo, Amy Roybal and companion, Mike Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo, and Francine Olguin Bivens and husband, Antonio of Albuquerque. She is also survived by sisters, Verna and husband, Andrew Teller, Emily and husband, George Abrahamson of Omak, WA, Yolanda and husband, Ben Chavez of Isleta; and brother, Ronald Olguin and wife, Karen of Isleta; as well as several cherished grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Frank and John Olguin. Maria attended Isleta Elementary School, and Los Lunas High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, and was the Salutatorian of her graduating class. On February 13, 1965, Maria married the greatest love and inspiration of her life, David Roybal of San Ildefonso Pueblo. Their's was a love story unlike any in history. Maria was retired from Sears Roebuck Personnel Department. She also worked for the Pueblo of Isleta as Personnel Director, Site Manager for the Isleta Senior Program, Personnel Director at the Isleta Resort & Casino, and finally, T-Cube Construction Company of Isleta, before moving to San Ildefonso Pueblo with her family. Maria and David also owned a catering business named Rainbow Catering. Maria's life was dedicated to her Catholic faith and together with David, participated and coordinated numerous Marriage Enrichments seminars throughout the state, as well as serving as Eucharistic Ministers. Maria was truly a unique woman. She was a beloved wife for over 41 years, a caring mother, and a warm and loving individual who will be missed greatly by her family, relatives, numerous comaide's and compaide's and hundreds of other friends who had the opportunity to meet and interact with her. He love, maternal wisdom, beautiful smile and unique laugh will be greatly missed. One of Maria's greatest assets was her love of cooking. Pueblo feast days always attracted hundreds of friends and relatives, old and new, from throughout the country, as people gathered around her dinner table to enjoy her distinctly unique Native American cuisine. Undoubtedly her greatest asset, however, was the love she had for her husband, her family, and friends. While the world may never be the same without Maria, we are all the more enriched in our lives to have had the opportunity to walk through life with Maria at our side. The sun always shined brightest when Maria was around and we will always see her in our minds and feel her in our hearts whenever a rainbow (beh-hwi) graces the sky. While we will greatly miss her, we are content in knowing that she has reached that reward that our Creator promised her in baptism. The family would like to thank all the many friends who lent their comfort, support, and prayers to the family during Maria's illness. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 23, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isleta Pueblo, NM, with Father Hilare Vilaquette as celebrant in addition to a tribute of Maria's favorite hymns sung by the St. Augustine Choir, of which Maria and David were members. A reception for the family will follow in the Parish CCD Building, next door.
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