Connie Irene Byrd

It is with heavy hearts, and deep love, that we announce the passing of Consuelo “Connie” Byrd, who left this world on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by the family which she cherished so dearly.

Consuelo Irene Byrd was born on June 2, 1943, in Los Ojos (Parkview), New Mexico, to Pedro Antonio and Maria Antonia Archuleta. Raised in Los Ojos, she carried with her throughout life a deep love for family, a strong compassion for others, and an ability to find joy in life’s simplest moments. Early on, she served her rural community as an EMT, offering care, comfort, and steady presence to those in need—an early reflection of the generosity that would define her life.

In her early twenties, Connie made her way to California’s Bay Area, where she began working at a silicone plant, helping produce circuit boards. A short time later, she moved to Sacramento to live with her beloved brother Benny and sister-in-law Shirley. There, she played a special role in helping raise her nephew Tony and niece Tonya, creating close bonds that would last a lifetime. It was during this chapter of her life that she met the love of her life, Donald Merle Byrd—a meeting that would forever shape her story. Their love story began with a leap of faith, eloping to Reno before settling in Watsonville, California, where they built a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and hard work. Connie’s greatest joy was her son, Dennis, who filled her life with love, pride, and yes—some early gray hairs. Together, they made countless memories camping, fishing, tending the yard, and spending treasured summers back home in New Mexico.

After Don’s retirement in 1989, they moved to Cheshire, Oregon, to be near Connie’s sister Stella. Later, they made their home along the Rogue River in Shady Cove, Oregon, where Connie found deep happiness in the beauty of the outdoors. Becoming a grandmother brought her immeasurable joy. Under the apple tree, she and Don built a swing where laughter echoed for hours, pushing her granddaughters and sharing simple, unforgettable moments together.

During Don’s illness, Connie was supported by her beloved brother Benny, whose presence brought comfort during a difficult time. After Don’s passing in 2012, Connie returned to the place that always held her heart—Los Ojos—accompanied by her brother Pedro, on yet another adventure traveling via loaded U-Haul from Oregon.

Connie’s faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life, reflected in her boundless kindness, strength, and unwavering love for others. When her dear sister-in-law Shirley Archuleta faced illness, Connie gave of herself completely—offering care, companionship, and quiet strength through long days of appointments, home-cooked meals, and gentle walks. Even in hardship, she created moments of warmth and togetherness with Benny, Shirley, their son Tony and niece Kelly—memories that will be forever treasured.

In 2019, as her needs grew, Connie moved to Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to live with her son Dennis, his wife Kenna, and her beloved granddaughters, Ellie and Emma. This season of life was filled with meaningful time spent with family—visits from her brother Benny, her nephew Tony and niece Tonya and their families, and frequent trips back to New Mexico. She delighted in pointing out the Brazos Mountains, watching la luna rise above the peaks, taking afternoons to fish with her brother Jose, always connected to the land she loved.

Back in Colorado, Connie remained active and engaged, walking neighborhood trails with her granddog Lucy Lou, greeting neighbors with hugs, and spreading warmth wherever she went. She embraced life fully—traveling to Cabo, Cancun, the Dominican Republic, the Chesapeake Bay, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and throughout Colorado. She loved concerts at Red Rocks, family camping trips, and even cheering on the Rockies—win or lose. She adopted extended grandchildren through Dennis and Kenna’s friends who coined her Grand Ma Ma and other loving names.

Connie lived with a joyful spirit that was impossible to miss. She was always ready for life’s little adventures—midnight margaritas, kitchen dance parties, fishing trips, baseball games, and passionately shouting “Ahh Shucks” at the T.V while watching the 49ers. Her radiant smile, gentle nature, and contagious laughter made everyone feel welcome. She never met a stranger, and those who knew her were touched by her warmth, her resilience, and her genuine love.

She could often be found whistling softly as she went about her day, perhaps enjoying piñon nuts. Through every challenge, Connie carried herself with grace, never lingering long in hardship, always trusting in faith, and the promise of brighter days.

Connie believed deeply that Christ was the center of everything. She gave of herself freely, loved without limits, and found her greatest joy in the people around her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of compassion, faith, and unconditional love.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Merle Byrd; her parents, Pedro Antonio and Maria Antonia Archuleta; her siblings Richard Archuleta, Estella Archuleta Stubs, Pedro Archuleta; Benny Archuleta, nephew Richard Archuleta, great-nephew Taylor Dillon, and other cherished loved ones over the years.

Connie is lovingly survived by her son Dennis (Kenna) Byrd of Highlands Ranch, CO; her brother Jose Archuleta of Los Ojos, NM; her cherished grandchildren Ellie and Emma Byrd; Nephews; Tony (Cathy) Archuleta, Milton (Rebecca) Archuleta, Pedro (Bianca) Archuleta, Gilbert (Fran) Archuleta, William Stevens, Lyman Stevens, Pete Stevens; Nieces; Carmela (Jaime) Olivas, Tonya (Scott) Lewis, Beverly (Martin) Ortiz, Linda Zinn, and Stella Dillon, Great nephews; Anthony “TJ” Archuleta, Ezra (Alani) Archuleta, Elijah Olivas, Julian Archuleta, Alejandro Archuleta, Pedro Archuleta, Timothy Lewis, Andrew Lewis, Oliver Lewis, Paul Ortiz, J.T. Zinn, Steven Zinn, and Lyman Stevens Jr., Great nieces; Sydney Archuleta, Zoey Archuleta, Leah Olivas, Eva Olivas, Elisabeth Lewis, Christina “Rose” Lewis Gleason, Olivia Lewis, Kelani Archuleta, Makena Archuleta, Annalicia Ortiz, Angela Peters, Sarah Zinn, Amanda Zinn, Sheena Howell, and Grand dog Lucy Lou Byrd among other loving family and many friends.

Connie’s legacy lives on in every life she touched—in every act of kindness, every shared laugh, and every moment of love she so freely gave. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she poured into her family and friends will continue to endure, guiding and comforting all who knew her.

“But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” – 1 Corinthians: 2:9

“In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am you may be also.” — John 14:2–3

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:7–8

A celebration of life will be held at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, Centennial, CO on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Spruce Room.

Connie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.