Noemi is lovingly known by those closest to her by two other names “Mimi” and “Mija”- an endearing name given to her by her first grandchild. Mija grew up in central El Paso and is an extremely proud Bowie Bear graduate, class of 1955. During high school, she was a majorette (baton twirler), on the Aztec yearbook staff and on The Growler journalism staff as well as being a part of the high school organization that kept the ‘B’ on the Franklin Mountains painted for all of El Paso to see. Up until her death, she continued to meet with the Bowie Bear class of 1955 alumni organization.
Mija was a devout Catholic who lived a Christ-centered life. She not only attended church regularly, Mija also taught religious education and first communion classes and served as a member of the Los Guadalupanos ministry. Through her and her husband’s strong faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ laid the foundation for instilling faith, love and hope in her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
It all began when she and her husband Julian, married over 64 years ago. He served in the army, and she took great pride in being an army wife. Having children in El Paso, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, Bad Cannstatt, Germany, Ft. Huachuca, Arizona and Ft. Gordon, Georgia the house was filled with laughter, disagreements, love, the singing of patriotic songs and the recitation of prayers.
Mija was a breast-cancer survivor who never complained about her health. Her focus was always on family and friends. In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she loved and cherished her parents, in laws and nieces and nephews. She opened her home to family, friends, and strangers, who quickly became friends or family.
Mija had a zest for life and lived against the grain. She was fiercely independent and loved to travel. She loved music, dancing, photography, sports, card games, board games, puzzles, crocheting, and margaritas. She volunteered at schools, was a Camp Fire Girl leader and bowling coach. One of the most impactful events in her life was a pilgrimage to holy sites in Rome and other European cities.
Mija touched so many lives across the world. She was known for her kindness, compassion and love of life. Although we have been blessed with the 86 years we have had with Mija, she will be greatly missed. Mija’s powerful legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers donations should be made to an Alzheimer’s organization or a Diabetes organization. The family is greatly appreciative for the caring support given to Mija by the doctors, nurses and caregivers at the hospitals, rehabilitation center, foster care, and hospice.
Noemi is survived by her husband, Julian Johnnie Padilla; her daughter Anna Lisa Anguiano (Jesus Anguiano); her daughter Martha Noemi Hernandez (Alexander Hernandez); her daughter Eva Marie Alcala-Padilla; her daughter Mary Frances Sumner (Rusty Willmuth); and her daughter Janie Emilia Rodriguez. Noemi also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren to cherish her memory.
Noemi was preceded in death by her son Joseph Julian Padilla; her mother Emilia Garcia and her father Manuel Duran; her brother Manuel Duran Jr.; her sister Gloria Escobedo; her sister Celia Jacquez; her brother David Javier Duran and her sister Maria Blanchard.
Visitation for Neomi will be on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Vigil at 6:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, 3839 Montana Ave. Funeral mass will be on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11:30 AM at St Thomas Aquinas, 10970 Bywood Dr. Committal to follow at 1:00 PM at Ft Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Padilla family.
