In Loving Memory of Cira Avila de Duarte
March 12, 1941 – August 25, 2026
With profound love and sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Cira Avila de Duarte, who passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, in Silver City, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family.
Cira was born on March 12, 1941, in Durango, Mexico, to Lauro Avila and Maria del Refujio Ocon de Avila. At the age of 29, she came to the United States and made Silver City her home, where she spent more than five decades building a life centered around faith, family, hard work, and love.
Cira's life was a beautiful example of sacrifice and devotion. As a mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her children, at times working two or three jobs to make sure they had everything they needed. No effort was too great when it came to caring for her family. She was a wonderful mother, an extraordinary grandmother and great-grandmother, and a woman whose love could always be felt.
She had a special way of turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories. When her children were young, she would sing little Spanish sayings and make up songs to encourage them to get ready for school, do their chores, lift their spirits when they were sad, or simply make them laugh. As the years passed, she continued this beautiful tradition with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above all, Cira wanted her children and family to be happy, and she always made sure those she loved were okay.
Cira was perceptive, honest, caring, and kind. She loved deeply and wholeheartedly. Her family was the center of her world, but she also found happiness in the simple things she enjoyed: knitting, crocheting, beading, gardening, and cooking. She was a woman of Catholic faith, and that faith remained an important part of her life.
Cira was preceded in death by her husband, Sr. Mario Duarte; her son, Mario Duarte; her brothers, Nicanor Avila, Tomas Avila, Juan Avila, and Jorge Avila; her sister, Rita Avila de Diaz; her son-in-law, Francisco Avila; her daughter-in-law, Veronica Jane Sierra de Duarte; and her grandsons, David Anthony Avila Duarte and James Sierra Duarte.
She leaves behind her loving sisters, Consuelo Avila de Monarrez, Maria Ruperta Avila de Salaz, and Carolina Avila de Avitia; her children, Elizabeth Duarte de Avila, Melida Duarte, Lauro Duarte, Edward Duarte, and Nora Duarte; as well as 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a part of her love and legacy with them.
Her family will forever remember her strength, her sacrifices, her songs, her laughter, her honesty, her kindness, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. The lessons she taught and the memories she created will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for generations to come.
As we say goodbye, we find comfort in the words of 2 Timothy 4:7:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
And we honor her as the remarkable woman and mother described in Proverbs 31:28–29:
"Her children arise and call her blessed... Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Services honoring Cira's life will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapels on August 28, 2026. Rosary will be held at 6pm with Deacon Art Gutierrez officiating. The funeral mass will take place at St. Francis Newman Center at 10am with Father Mike Lindsay officiating. Concluding service interment will take place at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Cira's earthly journey has ended, but the love she gave us has not. It lives in every song remembered, every family gathering, every lesson she taught, and every generation she loved.
We will carry you in our hearts always, Mom. Your love was one of the greatest gifts of our lives.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
