Marie Espinoza was welcomed into the presence of her beloved Heavenly Father on May 23, 2026 after a short illness. She was 74 years old.
Marie was born on December 22, 1951 in Trinidad, Colorado, the only child of Benny and Angie Naccarato. She grew up as part of the “Robinson Street” family, surrounded by cousins and friends that remained close throughout her lifetime. She attended Mt. Carmel School and was a proud member of Mt. Carmel Parish before its closure.
Marie attended Trinidad Catholic High School, graduating in 1969. Marie remained a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of the TC Tigers. She sat for hours in the bleachers of Tiger Stadium and Sebastiani Gym watching Daniel coach the TC Lady Tigers or watching Pam and Dannette as cheerleaders on the sideline. She was proud that 4 generations of her family attended Trinidad Catholic.
In 1969, Marie married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Daniel Espinoza. Together they built a life and love that lasted 49 years until Dan died in 2018. She missed him immensely. Marie and Dan had 2 daughters, Pam and Dannette. Marie and Dan cherished their girls and their families, including grandchildren Jaden, Hallie and Jaxon and their son-in-law Erik.
Marie spent her career in the medical field. She worked for over a decade for Dr. Stanley Biber as a medical assistant and X-ray tech where she served the Trinidad and transgender community with acceptance, dignity and respect. Marie worked for 34 years at Mt. San Rafael Hospital as a discharge planner helping patients and families. She also fulfilled several other administrative roles such as utilization review, infection control, Joint Commission coordinator and patient representative. She was proud of the work she did at Mt. San Rafael and the lives she touched.
It would be remiss not to mention Marie’s life-long commitment to the Las Animas County Democrats and the Democratic Party. Marie was an active member of the party, currently serving as a Precinct Organizer and a member of the Central Committee. She was an integral part of the annual dinner committee and was a regular presence at Democratic events, rallies and candidate meetings. She previously served her party as a Vice-Chair, Committeeperson and Election Judge.
The highlight of Marie’s life was spending time with her family. She and Dan spent as much time as they could making treasured memories with their daughters and grandchildren. They regularly attended sporting events and dance competitions. Marie loved spending time at Disneyland during the annual Halloween trip. Marie proudly kept her promise to Dan to keep the Denver Broncos tickets until 2025, maintaining 30 years of being a Broncos season ticket holder. To Marie, spending time with family meant everything to her. After Dan’s death, she knew how important those memories would be and she created a legacy of love for her children and grandchildren to carry with them.
Marie was predeceased by her beloved husband Daniel, her parents Benny and Angie Naccarato, her grandparents Frank and Marie Naccarato and James and Teresa Biundo. She is also predeceased by beloved aunts, uncles and cousins–Bill and Ruth Naccarato, Mary and Silvio Caputo, AnnaMae and Ray Eccher, Nick and Sarah Biundo, Joe and Olga Biundo, Mary and Joe Provenza, Rose Biundo and special cousin Donald Naccarato.
Left to keep her memory alive and miss her every day are her daughters and son-in-law Pam Espinoza and Dannette and Erik Giles. She will be missed by her three precious grandchildren Jaden Espinoza and fiancé LeAnn Richards, namesake Helen-Marie Dannette Baca and Jaxon Giles. She is also survived by her Aunt Katie Hutcheson and Uncle and Aunt James and Antoinette Biundo, as well as numerous cousins and special friends.
Services will be Monday, June 1, 2026, with recitation of the Rosary at 12:30 pm at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 pm. Entombment will follow at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery. Public viewing will take place at Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 10 am to 12 pm.
Pallbearers are grandchildren Jaden Espinoza, Hallie Baca, Jaxon Giles and cousins Bill Naccarato, Ray Eccher and Ron Eccher.
Marie is being lovingly cared for by Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home, Trinidad, Colorado.
The family can be contacted at 619 W. Baca Street and 825 Robinson Avenue, Trinidad.
Thomas Murphy
Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home
335 East Main Street, Trinidad, Colorado
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