Merlin Jojola

Jojola, Merlin

Merlin Lourdes Jojola was a beloved Mama and Nana during her 80 years of life. She sadly left us and joined our Lord in Heaven on March 19, 2023. She was born April 16, 1942 and was raised in the Barelas neighborhood and raised her four children in Albuquerque. She was the definition of love with her heart of gold. Our angel on Earth is now an angel in Heaven.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Jojola; daughter, Hope Jojola; parents, Josephine Garcia and Pedro Segura, and siblings, Marcella Perez, Freddie Garcia, Alice Vargas, Ernest Segura, Georgia Sedillo, Raymond Segura and Tommy Chavez

She is survived by her children Joseph Jojola, Madeline Montoya and husband, Ray, Richard Jojola and wife, Cynthia, Steven Jojola and wife, Charmain; grandchildren Richard and wife, Blaener, Ray Jr and wife, Angelina, Mark, Steven, Merline and husband, Jesse, Jacob, Justin, Ashley and fiancé, Dominic, Genessa and husband, Matthew, Nathan, Isaiah, Dominick and Cayla; great-grandchildren Isaac, Isaiah, Iren, Breana, Jeremiah, Ray III, Adelina, Alyssa, Ezra, Eric and Matthew; brothers Jimmy Chavez, John Chavez and JoeBen Chavez and wife, Cathy and many nieces and nephews.

Merlin found the most joy in life taking care of her family.  She was the best cook and loved cooking. She always had food ready for anyone who would walk through her door and would enjoy cooking for her siblings, kids, grandkids and friends.  She would always have lunch ready for her siblings as they came from work.

Her home was always a shelter for anyone who needed it.  Her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends, children and grandchildren all stayed with her at one time or another.  Everyone felt so comfortable around her and in her home, she never turned anyone away.  Her home was a safe haven for all. 

Merlin was the most positive person around. She loved to have fun and her smile was magic.  She had the greatest sense of humor and was always laughing with her family.  She loved playing games with her family, especially her grandchildren and telling jokes.  She loved to dance and Spanish music blared throughout her house all day, every day.  She always loved to look good.  She wouldn’t be caught without her jewelry and in her own words “she always needed to paint her face and wear her lipistick.”  She loved taking pictures with her family and documenting everything we did, even if it was just hanging out at her house. She loved animals especially her chickens, she would name them all.  She would call and text her children and grandchildren every morning. She loved celebrating the holidays with her family, especially Christmas.  She had to have Christmas lights on her house and luminarias every year. A Halloween didn’t go by that she wouldn’t dress up or join in the festivities.  She was always up for any adventure and was fearless in trying anything. 

Her heart was truly made of gold. She loved everyone and never judged anyone.  Her eyes saw the good in everyone.  Every good deed she did, she said was another step closer to Heaven.  She was the most selfless person, her love was genuine and she truly loved us all like Jesus does.  The one thing that made her heart beat was being with her children and grandchildren.  She was the most amazing mama, nana, sister, aunt and friend. Her legacy of love will continue on reminding us that she is with us everyday.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, April 03, 2023 from 5:30-6:30 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm at Strong Thorne Chapel, 1100 Coal Ave. SE. A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 04, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd NW. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Cemetery.

To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.garciamortuary.com 

Garcia Mortuary

717 Stover Ave. SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

505-243-5222