Elsie Galaz Roman, 106, was born to Manuel and Margarita (Valencia) Galaz on April 18, 1919, in San Lorenzo, New Mexico. At fourteen years of age, she was enrolled by her father at St. Mary's Academy in Silver City, NM until she graduated. She was mentored and supervised by St. M. Borromeo. She was always overwhelmed by St. Borromeo's wisdom and knowledge. During this period of time, she learned much about life from her peers, family and faculty. Working at St. Mary's helped pay for tuition, dorm, etc. Upon graduation as Valedictorian, she received a scholarship to attend Marymount College in Kansas City.
During these times, the Great Depression was occurring. She instead attended Western New Mexico University and worked with professors to pay tuition. She was living in San Lorenzo during these times. She was given permission to ride an old school bus from the Acklin Store. She would walk the two miles in inclement weather to catch the bus.
While at WNMU, she was tapped into Cardinal Key Women's Educational Fraternity. After three intense years of teacher training classes, her requirements were met. She was hired at the age of 18 to begin teaching. She had taught K-8 grades, special education, bi-lingual, physical education and was one of the First Women coaches in Cobre Schools. She earned a B.S. degree and a Masters in Elementary education and became a principal after obtaining a Masters in Administration Degree. She taught in San Lorenzo, San Juan, Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces and Bayard. She was inducted into the WNMU Education Hall of Fame in 1995.
Upon retirement after 30+ years in education, she volunteered at the Senior Center and with the Church. She also had an elderly mother for 35 years. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, matriarch, and a woman of deep unwavering faith.
We take comfort in knowing she is at peace and resting in the presence of our Lord.
You will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her son, Steve Salaiz from San Lorenzo, NM; her numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Robert Galaz, Manuel Galaz and Alejandro Galaz; her sisters, Agueda Portillo, Corina Salaiz and Emma Montoya.
Visitations will be Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 5:30pm-6:00pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Holy Rosary commencing at 6:00pm, recited by Deacon Bill Holguin. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:00am at San Lorenzo Catholic Church, with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. She will be laid to rest at San Lorenzo Cemetery following the mass. Pallbearers are Aaron Archuleta, Dustin Archuleta, Sam Portillo, Ben Ojinaga, Kevin Salcido and Rudy Castillo.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
