Vanessa Francesca Anaya

VaNessa Francesca Anaya, age 21, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2015, surrounded by her loving family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born on August 28, 1993 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, VaNessa was the second child and Beloved Daughter of Frank and Mary Ann C. Anaya. She is preceded in death by her Aunt, Annabelle Lesperance; Uncle, Pete “Geo” Chavez; Grandfather, Roman “Cristobal” Chavez and Cousin, William Walter Cordova Jr. VaNessa is survived and forever remembered by her Father, Frank Anaya of Ewing; Mother, Mary Ann C. Anaya of Estancia; Brother, Francisco Anaya of Roswell; Caregiver, Deminica (Danny) Garcia of Willard; Grandparents, Bert and Peggy Anaya of Tajique, and Aggie Chavez of Moriarty. She is also survived by many Aunts and Uncles, including Maria and Marvin Anglin of Moriarty; Betty and Jerry Montoya of Tajique, and Antoinette Anaya of Tajique; Emma and Cecil Chavez of Yrisarri, and Sandra Anaya of Yrisarri; and Robert and Flora Anaya, of Carnuel; as well as numerous cousins and dear friends. VaNessa, a lifelong resident of Estancia, was born with a rare genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis. Though faced with many obstacles, she still managed to live a happy productive life. VaNessa attended Estancia Municipal Schools, where she graduated with her high school diploma in 2011. In school she participated in the Special Olympics and received many awards for all her activities, including her favorite award “Best Dressed Diva in Estancia.” One of her most exciting adventures that she greatly looked forward to was riding her school bus. She enjoyed traveling with her family; some of her favorite places to visit were Disney Land, Hollywood, San Diego, Yellowstone, Chicago, San Antonio, and Washington D.C. VaNessa was also a member of St. Peter and Paul Perish, where she received her Sacrament of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Some of her favorite things included picking flowers, reading books, and watching her favorite movie: Cars. Her absolute favorite characters being “Lightning McQueen” and “Big Red.” Though her time on Earth was cut short, she touched many lives with her positive attitude, contagious smile, and monumental hugs. Her family would like to thank her many doctors at UNMH, especially Dr. Snyder, for helping VaNessa live a memorable and full life. As well, the family thanks her doctors and nurses at Lovelace Hospital, especially Dr. Brian and nurse Naomi for making her last few days as comfortable as possible. Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday April 1, 2015 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Estancia, New Mexico. A viewing is scheduled for 9:00 A.M. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM with the Celebration of Mass starting at 11:00 A.M. A Burial and graveside service to immediately follow at the Estancia Cemetery in Estancia, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers the family would like to request for memorial contributions to be made in VaNessa’s name to the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, www.tsalliance.org. In Honor of VaNessas deep admiration for “Lightning McQueen” and “Big Red” the family would like to request that everyone attending would please wear the color red. This would mean so much to VaNessa as she enters Heavens Gates and is granted her Angel Wings.