Dolores “Dolly” Juanita Gabaldon Apodaca

Dolores “Dolly” Juanita Gabaldon Apodaca 

1936-2023 

Dolores was the ninth child of 12 born to Juan and Lugarda Gabaldon. Dolores was born on May 16, 1936, and joined her heavenly father, Jesus Christ, and her husband of more than 52 years on the same day of her mother’s passing on Nov. 24. 

Dolores had a full life filled with lots of love and family. She was working at Sandia Labs and living in Albuquerque when her roommate, Rosalyn Gonzales (and her husband, Artie) Henry’s cousin set them up on a date. They married in 1959, moving to Belen where they raised their five children, Diane, Henry, Frank, Janet and Rose.  

After her children started attending school full-time, she worked for the Belen Consolidated Schools, ultimately retiring. 

Dolly, as many knew her, loved cooking and taking care of her family. She was famous for her pastalitos and homemade bread. She loved to swim, shop, spoil her grandchildren and spend time outdoors enjoying many camping trips with family and friends. Later, traveling with her beloved husband, Henry, of 52 plus years. 

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Hank; her parents, Juan and Lugarda Gabaldon; in-laws, Frank and Louisa Apodaca; two children, Diane and Frank; son-in-law, Roland Sanchez; granddaughter, Jessica Molina; and great-granddaughter, Mariah Hildalgo; sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Annie and husband, Joe Gallegos, Mercedes Ethridge, Felice (Leon) Prevot, Corine (Filo) Sedillo, Gillie (Lala) Gabaldon, Billie Gabaldon, George Gabaldon, Milton Gabaldon, Peggy Apodaca, Joyce Apodaca and Iris (Alfred) Alford, Rosella  Isidro Vigil. 

Dolores is survived by her children, Henry Apodaca, Janet Sanchez (Michael) and Rose Apodaca Molina; seven grandchildren, eight (soon to be nine) great-grandchildren, brother, Eugene (Gloria) Gabaldon; sister, Loretta Gabaldon; sister-in-law, Geri Gabaldon; brothers-in-law, Gilbert and Alfred Apodaca; along with many nieces and nephews and longtime friends. 

Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Monday, Dec. 4, beginning with a viewing at 9 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and the Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Our Lady of Belen Cemetery. 

The family wishes to extend their gratefulness and appreciation for all the care, visits and support given by friends, family and caregivers to Dolly. 

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.