Nettie Perkins

Our dear mother Nettie Genevieve Perkins sadly passed away peacefully on October 20th in her beloved home surrounded by her family. She was a wonderful mother who gave her love, support, and encouragement unconditionally. She always encouraged us to do our very best and to reach for the sky. She really never saw limits to what one could achieve. Her heart and door were always open, she never turned anyone away. Our mother was devoted to her family and was always there when we needed her and will be missed terribly.

She was born in Guadalupita, New Mexico on October 17, 1934. She often spoke of her young life in Guadalupita with great fondness. Her parents Adolfo Coca and Sofia Romero moved the family to Taos with the intention of being closer to public services. She attended school there and  married our father in 1953.  Two children followed shortly there after. Upon our father’s military discharge the family moved to Denver, Colorado in 1959. Although not a native she lived in Denver for sixty plus years. It was her home yet she never lost her love of northern New Mexico.

Her open house on Christmas Eve was a tribute to her cultural traditions.  Many  will remember her delicious guacamole, posole, sopapillas, empanaditas, and bizcochitos. All of which were prepared with her loving hands.

Our mother was a proud, independent woman who was inspired by her parents to take her responsibilities seriously. She attributed her strong work ethic to her parents who worked hard all their lives. She possessed a creative spirit, which she displayed by painting and decorating our bedrooms and playhouse.

We remember falling asleep to the whirring sound of her sewing machine. She often worked through the night designing and sewing clothes for herself, family, and friends. When the living room sofa needed updating she took a class in upholstery and did the work herself. Another creative outlet was styling hair for neighbors and friends. Her ability to do hair did not go unnoticed. A friend recommended her for a scholarship to attend Cosmetology School. She began her career at May D&F’s hair salon but soon opened Heirloom Designs, her own salon. Throughout her long career she created beautiful hair and actively listened  while providing emotional guidance and support to her clientele.  She often joked that she was a frustrated therapist.

Our mother is survived by her son, Robert Tafoya (Valerie Diaz), daughter Glenda Tafoya (Robert Swerdling), two grandchildren, Sofia Tafoya(Luis Flores), Samuel Swerdling (Katrina Scott), and one great grandson, Amos Flores, three years of age. He gave our mother such pleasure and is our family’s bright star. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Stella Martinez of Taos, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her second husband, James T. Perkins, preceded her in death on March 16, 1994. If you would like to pay your respects to our mother and stepfather you are welcome to attend the Committal service we are holding in their honor at Fort Logan National Cemetery. All who attend are invited to share a memory if they would like.

Nettie's wishes were not to have any kind of Church or Chapel Services, just the Committal at Fort Logan. The family are Honoring Nettie's wishes.