Estrella Dawn Benavidez
12/31/1988-02/26/2026
Estrella Benavidez passed away from sudden heart failure on February 24, 2026, at UNMH in Albuquerque NM at the young age of 37.
She is survived by her young children; daughter Izarra Benavidez and her son Orion Benavidez both of the family home (Raton, NM), Mother Kathy Bowman (Jesse) Raton, NM. Brothers Mark Benavidez (Jaclyn) Pueblo CO; Gerald “Cubby” Benavidez Raton, NM, Jacobo Benavidez Albuquerque, NM; Sister Shelly Benovidez (Dr. Tony Salazar) Albuquerque, NM, Her Sissy Apryll Lopez; Maternal Grandmother Vivian Baker Raton NM, as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and several friends also survived.
Estrella is proceeded in death by her dad Jacobo “Cubby” Benavidez, Paternal Grandparents Jacobo and Benina Sanchez, Maternal Grandfather Buddy Baker Sr. and Paternal Uncle Max Benavidez . Paternal Aunt Madelin Martinez .
After obtaining her GED she went on to take college courses. In her younger years she worked in Longterm care. Later, 2007 she was employed as a server with Denny’s which led her often travelling throughout New Mexico and Colorado. Just recently , we witnessed her true calling and passion with her work at The Bridge; a non- profit organization who offers life-saving measures and safe supplies for those struggling with addiction. Estrella held genuine care and compassion for those in need. During the infantry stages, she took on every available training opportunity, as she progressed, she began outreach in Colfax and Las Animas communities providing safe supplies, personal hygiene products and resources. Majority of her work was volunteer work, but it didn’t matter to her, she wanted to reach everyone. She helped those who felt they were at rock bottom. She offered understanding to those who often felt misunderstood; there was nothing you could say or do as she always was empathetic and held no judgement towards anyone. Estrella was there for everyone and would guide you through whatever you needed.
Estrella held many titles, but her favorite was Mom. You would see her at Orion’s football and basketball games, and Izarra’s basketball and volleyball games, never wanting to miss any event. Often, she tried to record but would get so caught in the moment that only after she’d realized her phone wasn’t on the play itself but instead on the court or bleachers.
Estrella was a powerful force and personality. She was not scared of the tough talks that needed to be had. She made sure her children were not only academically smart but street smart, as she wanted her children to be successful, yet aware. Estrella didn’t shelter her children from the ‘real’ in the world, she wanted them to be prepared for it all.
Her laughter and presence were felt in any room she entered. Estrella was passionate and extremely loyal to those she loved; there truly was nothing she wouldn’t do for those she cared about.
Just mere moths before her passing Estrella accepted Jesus into her heart, to witness her spiritual transition was truly amazing and inspiring. She began hard work on herself via Celebrate Recovery held at the Lighthouse Church multiple times a week where she became a member.
Even in her death, Estrella continued to give second chances and saved numerous lives through organ donation. Estrella will be missed by all who knew her, loved her.
Services for Estrella Dawn Benavidez will be held April 11, 2026, at 11 am at the Lighthouse Church in Raton.
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