Cora Ortega passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 87 surrounded by family in the Española Valley.

Born in La Madera, New Mexico to Adolfo & Margarita Ortega, she was raised on the family farm in El Rito, New Mexico. In the late 1950s she moved to Española and worked as a celebrated cook for El Paragua, Matilda’s Café, Emilio’s Restaurant, The Chuck Wagon and The Roadrunner Café for 30 years. She loved to be in the kitchen and was happiest when she was cooking for her family.

In the 1980s she began working for the New Mexico State Police and retired from there in 2003. She loved gardening, was an accomplished seamstress, and read every book, magazine, newspaper and pamphlet she could get her hands on. She loved talking on the phone with her family and was often contacted as the family historian, having memorized every family member’s birthday, wedding date, children’s births and family history. She was prone to sudden bursts of song and famous for giving free advice.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ralph Ortega and her daughter Liddie Martinez (Rick) of Española. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Edna Serna and Verna (Bird) Trujillo.

She leaves behind her sister, Lia Gallegos, her son-in-law, Manny Martinez, 6 grandchildren: Frankie Serna (Rafa Escamilla), Ricky Serna (Monique), Maggie Blacketer (Eddie Herrera), Jared Ortega (Amanda Rodriguez), Jeremy Lopez (TrinniRea Romero), Ian Martinez (Alex), 9 great-grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews and many friends.

The Holy Rosary will be prayed for her on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1PM followed by the funeral mass and internment at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Española. A private viewing for immediate family will be held at 11 AM at DeVargas Funeral Home that same day.