Eleanor Dollie Mondragon

Dollie Mondragon age 83 passed away on May 2, 2017. She was born in Taos on June 20, 1933 and was the daughter of J. Manual Valdez and Azucena Gonzales Valdez. She was the granddaughter of Inocencio Valdez who was one of the original founders of the Taos News when it was known as "El Crepusculo" and the niece of Felix D. Valdes who was the editor of the Spanish section for many years.

As a young woman Dollie was known as "La Munequita" and performed canciones rancheras accompanied by Ramon Hernandez, a favorite professional entertainer in Taos. They performed in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Her recordings are part of the The UNM John Donald Robb Musical Trust, a collection of recordings of Hispanic folk music across New Mexico and beyond during the mid-20th century.

Dollie loved her family, her culture, her history and her beautiful Taos. She shared her knowledge, traditions, and culture with her children, grandchildren and the people of the Taos community. She was called on many times as a resource, and asked to give presentations and was featured in "Remarkable Women of Taos: A Year Long Community-Wide Celebration Honoring Outstanding Taosenas" by Elizabeth J. Cunningham. Dollie loved to sing and dance, and loved flowers.

Dollie Valdez married Ted Mondragón on June 7, 1952 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. At their side were Padrinos Juan I. Valerio, Mercedes Valerio, Juan Mondragón and Cecelia Valdez.

Dollie was a graduate of Taos High School. After their marriage, Dollie and Ted moved to Pueblo Colorado. They moved back to Taos a couple of years later and lived in their home in the La Loma Plaza Historic District. Dollie stayed home to raise their children. After the children were grown, she worked for the Taos Historic Museums as a clerk and docent until she retired in 2005. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic community in Taos, and had been an active member in many parish organizations including the Cursillo and was a long time CCD teacher. Dollie was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish since her birth.

Dollie is survived by her husband of 65 years Ted and 6 children, Kathy Mondragón (Steve Richey) of Albuquerque NM, Dominic Mondragón (Jennifer Kennard) of Taos NM, Teresa Mondragón (Juan Gonzalez) of Albuquerque NM, John Mondragón (Ida Cruz Mondragón) of Woodbridge VA, Veronica Mondragón (Clarence “Willy” Wilcox) of Merritt Island FL. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Maria Nicole Mondragón Rivera (Sam Rivera).

Ted and Dollie have 13 grandchildren, Kathy's sons: Sean Richey and Patrick Richey; Teresa's daughter: Jennifer Mondragón Gurule (Felimon Gurule); John's children: Elyse Robertson (Derek), Ian Mondragón and Elliot Mondragón; Veronica's children: Michael Wilcox, Rachel Dowling (Brent) and Nikolas Wilcox; and Maria's children: Krista Fant (Damian), Diego Rivera, Samantha Rivera and Natalie Rivera. They also have 5 great-grandchildren: Jacob Mondragón, Devin Gurule, Trevor Gurule, Carissa Gurule and Robert Fant.

She is also survived by siblings Ray Valdez, Rich "Dickie" Valdez and Rosalie "Didi" Romero. She was preceded in death by siblings Carlos "Babe" Valdez, Fernando Valdez, Cecelia "Chila" Sandoval, and Rita Romero.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 7 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.