Amelia R. Sapien

On Sunday, June 20, 2021, our beloved mother, Amelia R. Sapien, met her Lord and Savior on angels’ wings. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Amelia’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. The memorial service for Amelia will be held at the Iglesia Bautista, El Calvario, on August 7, 2021, at 3:00 PM at 600 East Tilden, Roswell, NM 88203. Amelia was born on May 11, 1937 to Juan Q. Rodriguez and Margarita H. Rodriguez in San Antonio, Texas. Amelia was blessed to have a loving church family at Iglesia Bautista, El Calvario. Her special brother and sister in Christ, Gene and Gena De Los Santos, were a godsend. Amelia found her house of worship when she moved to Roswell, NM from Killeen, Texas, in 1999 after retiring from John Reider Properties in Killeen, Texas. Mom was very proud to have been a part of such a great company. Mom’s formal education ended at the end of the eighth grade when she stopped school to help the family. Although she did not continue her education, Mom was very well educated. Conversations with Mom were always eye-opening, to say the least, she spoke the truth, whether you wanted to hear it or not. As a young woman, mom traveled to numerous states to including Colorado, Wisconsin, California, and was exposed to cultures most never get the opportunity to do so. She was accepting of all and never met a stranger. Amelia was always thinking of others even until the end. And she never missed going to her church and being with the Lord. Amelia had a passion for life in her younger years as well as her last years. She will be dearly missed as she touched so many hearts. Momma, we miss you every day, but we know your are in the Lord’s presence. We will continue to strive to be like you, to be compassionate, loving, and giving. Thank you for raising us all the way you did. We love you! Your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! Those left to cherish beautiful memories of Amelia are her children: Thomas J. Marinelli (Darlene), Michael A. Hernandez (April), Ines Sapien, Jr. (Ana), G. Alan Sapien (Heather), Lori A. Lovato (Joe); grandchildren: Sasha M. Lozano-Hernandez, TJ Marinelli III, Crystal L. Hernandez, Jennifer M. Cox, Joe M. Luna, Jr, Tasha Langston, Melissa Marinelli, Nikkie Maxey, S. Kyle Sutton, G. Alan Sapien Jr, Kassandra J. Luna, Nicholas Sapien, Joseph R. Lovato, Matthew Sapien, Sammy Sapien, Nicholas D. Lovato, Brian A. Sapien, Luke A. Sapien, Joseph A. Sapien, Charity Burnes, Steven Marquez; twenty-four great-grandchildren with one on the way; one great-great-grandchild with another on the way; sisters: Gloria Olalde, Lee Rodriquez (Daisy), Esther Serrata (Louis) and Debbie Woods (Henry); numerous nieces and nephews including a special niece who shared the same birthday as our mom, Thelma Villegas (Alfredo); close friends: John Hudson, Juana Frederico, as well as all her friends from the Summit retirement complex who were dear to her. Amelia is preceded in death by her son, Larry Sapien (infant); daughter, Joann Sapien (infant); parents: Juan Q. Rodriguez and Margarita H. Rodriguez; siblings: Pablo G. Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Edward Rodriguez, Walter H. Rodriguez; sister, Lupe Carreon; and her beloved pet, “Peanut.” We want to give a special “Thank You” to Dr. Carrie Flury, Dr. Ali, Kindred Hospice, Mission Arch, Casa Maria, and Eastern New Mexico Hospital for their dedication in caring for our mother. Amelia’s tribute was written in her honor by her family. I Am Still Near Death has taken me from this world, and though we are apart, I am still near. All that we meant to each other remains true, in trust and faith, have no fear. Keep me always close to your heart! For I leave with you what no one can steal, a treasure chest of precious, happy moments: the tender, love-filled moments we shared, as well as the challenging times that brought us closer together. When you are in need, speak to me, call my name. I will come to you with wisdom and light, to fill your soul with peace, and to guide you in the pathways that lead to life forever with our Loving God. I also offer you this sacred promise: when I am home in God’s embrace, whenever you call on me, I will still be present to you, for neither death nor grave can break the bonds of love that we on earth once knew.

Amelia R. Sapien

May 11, 1937 - June 20, 2021