Maria Stefhon

On the morning of July 24, 2019, heaven received a joyous and beautiful angel, Maria “Delfina” Stefhon. Delfina died at home peacefully after a heroic battle against Pulmonary Fibrosis. Delfina was born on July 7, 1938, and after growing up in Texas settled in Hagerman, NM, with her family in the early 1950’s. She graduated from Hagerman High School in 1956 and shortly thereafter married her “Soldier Boy” Dudley Eugene Stefhon who preceded her in death. After living in Delaware early in their marriage, the family moved back to Hagerman, NM, where they raised their family and remained the duration of their lives. She was an active member of the community through her employment for many years at Valley Grocery and her involvement with the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church where she played guitar and sang with the choir.

For those who knew Delfina, there are so many ways in which to remember her. She was an amazing seamstress, she sang beautifully at church, and she always had a ready smile and kind word for everyone. For her family and close friends, she was a humble and sweet-spirited prayer warrior who loved unconditionally. For her children, she was their rock, an amazing mother, and trustworthy confidante. Delfina loved to sing and she played the guitar and piano. What many may not know is she was a thoughtful song writer who wrote and composed touching songs with lyrics which chronicled her love and loss of dear family members. You can listen to some of these heartfelt songs at https://youtu.be/4oXB2wnDQEg and learn Delfina’s inspiration when writing the lyrics.

Capturing the life of such a vibrant and beautiful woman is difficult in a few short paragraphs. Delfina was truly a God-send to those who were fortunate enough to know her. She had the gift of bringing comfort and a sense of unconditional love and acceptance to any situation in which she was present or involved. Delfina was one of those people who was universally loved by anyone she encountered, and heaven gained a brilliant and bright star with her presence.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dudley, her parents Elias and Nicolasa Martinez, her siblings Cliff Martinez and Rummy Green, and her son Larry Stefhon. She is survived by her brother Ricardo and his wife Liz Martinez, her children Patrick and Lisa Leer Stefhon, Dora and Matthew Batista, Mary Ann and Marvin Burr, Henry Stefhon, Gerald and Machele Stefhon. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. The family also wants to extend a sincere thank you to Ralph Green, her caregiver and partner in her final years, for the loving care he provided.

Visitation will be Friday, July 26, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Rosary and Funeral Mass will start at 9:00 am Saturday, July 27, 2019 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church of Hagerman. She will be laid to rest in Hagerman Cemetery where graveside services will also be conducted.

Serving as pallbearers will be her sons Patrick, Henry, and Gerald Stefhon, with her son Larry being represented by his son Larry Stefhon Jr., Ramon Saenz, and Matthew Martinez.

The family sincerely thanks their family and friends for the overwhelmingly love and support extended them during this difficult time.