Aurelia Marie Baca

Aurelia Baca (lovingly known as Rael) passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Aurelia was born to loving parents, Doroteo and Erlinda Baca, and was one of nine children. She grew up in Segundo and Trinidad, Colorado and spent most of her adult life in the Boulder area. Aurelia had many interests and hobbies, including music, dancing, writing, art, cooking, and running.

Aurelia valued education for herself and her children. After graduating from Trinidad High School, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and received a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sociology. Aurelia loved working with children and was talented at developing activities for childhood programs through Parks and Recreation and various schools in the Boulder area. She was particularly skilled in supporting children with complex developmental and physical disabilities and was the recipient of a teaching award in 1994. Aurelia shared her love of education with her children and created educational opportunities for them that they will forever appreciate.

Aurelia was a devoted mother, who persisted in supporting her family and building memorable experiences for her children no matter the obstacle. She was proud to enroll her children in various classes and after school activities from an early age, including soccer, baseball, swimming, chess, gymnastics, dance, Girl Scouts, and choir. Weekends and summers were spent at playgrounds, baseball games, the mall, rec centers, libraries, bookstores, and Sunday church service. Her children continue to be amazed at how she managed to cart them around town, attending each school and sporting event while sometimes working multiple jobs to make things work financially. Friendship was also an important part of Aurelia’s life. She had a close group of friends who attended aerobics every Saturday followed by hours of conversation at local restaurants. She especially loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with her friends and family through parties and special events.

Aurelia faced a series of life-changing health events in midlife that led to an early retirement and substantial changes to daily life. She demonstrated remarkable strength during this time and adapted by building new experiences in assisted living. She was active on resident committees and continued to build close friendships during this time. She enjoyed writing, painting, and pottery, and she shared her wonderful creations with family and friends. She also loved bingo and frequently commented on her “lucky streaks.” Aurelia was thrilled to become a grandmother and looked forward to various outings with her children and grandchildren, particularly lunch outings at local restaurants.

Aurelia will be remembered as a wonderful mother and grandmother, a loving sister and daughter, and a loyal friend. She demonstrated unwavering kindness, generosity, and optimism, even during the most challenging moments of her life. Her greatest love of all was her family and faith in God. Preceding her in death are her parents; siblings, Mary Jane Baca and Richard Joe Baca; and nephews, Warren Abeyta and Richard Baca, Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Yolanda (Mike) Romero, Cecilia (Leroy) Abeyta, Albert (Juanita) Baca, Felix (Brenda) Baca, Constance Baca, and Myra (Joe) Encinias; nieces and nephews; children, Eric Schlenz (Holly O’Dell Schlenz), Alyssa Schlenz (Joseph Schacht); and four grandchildren. Rest in peace our beautiful angel, Aurelia.

Donations in Aurelia’s memory can be sent to NAMI of Boulder County (https://namibouldercounty.org/get-involved/donate/) or the CU Financial Aid Endowment (https://giveto.colorado.edu/campaigns/50245/donations/new?a=9939692&amt=50.00).