Julia Benavidez Madrid, age 101, passed away on August 18, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Julia was born in Aguilar, CO to Fernando Vigil and Sinforosa Passarelli Vigil. She grew up in Trujillo Creek and graduated from Aguilar High School.
Julia was united in marriage to Lee Benavidez in December of 1946 and they shared twenty-nine years together. Julia was a devoted wife and mother and was instrumental in starting their own business, Lee’s Tool Grinding. After Lee’s death in 1975, Julia and her son, Michael, continued running the business until 1984 when Julia retired and moved back to Trujillo Creek to take care of her dad and great aunt. Julia was remarried to Sam Madrid for seventeen years.
Julia was multi-talented as a quilter, artist, gardener, cook and was an avid bowler in a league in Trinidad. Julia was well known for her enchiladas, pinto beans, red and green chili, sopapillas, and tortillas. Most of all, Julia was a woman of deep faith.
Julia is preceded in death by her parents, husband’s Lee Benavidez and Sam Madrid. Her daughter, Bernice McLaughlin, daughters in law, Charlene Benavidez, Lynn Yaple, son in-law, Jim Woodard, grandson Roger Woodard, and great grandchild, Joshua McLaughlin.
She is lovingly survived by her son Michael Benavidez, daughter Ruth Woodard, son-in-law Paul G. McLaughlin, grandchildren, Paul C. McLaughlin (Melanie), Amy Kimmel (Lonney), Jessica Kerschen (Matt), Tony Benavidez (Martha), Louise Boone (Mark) and Kim Woodard. Great grandchildren, P.J. McLaughlin, Morgan Holland, Gabriel Holland, Isaiah Benavidez, Joshua Benavidez, Haley Boone, Samantha Boone, Kylie Kimmel, Liam McLaughlin, Austin Kerschen, Aubrey Kerschen and Chloe Kimmel Bryan Sanchez (Sadie), Adrian Sanchez and Danielle Mujenovic. Great, great grandchildren, Creed and Camren.
Pallbearers will be Paul C. McLaughlin, Tony Benavidez, Lonney Kimmel, Matt Kerschen, Isaiah Benavidez and Joshua Benavidez.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (125 S. Fir St., Aguilar, CO 81082) at 1:00pm.
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