Emma Mascarenas

Craig resident, Emma Mascarenas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Western Slope Memory Care in Grand Junction. She was 90. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at St. Michael Catholic Church with a rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 at St. Michael. Burial will follow at Craig Cemetery.

Emma Adela Romero was born one of three children to Ambrosio and Maria (Montoya) Romero on Dec. 27, 1932, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She spent her early childhood in Las Vegas before moving to Mt. Harris, Colorado, her eighth grade year. At the age of 18, Emma married Antonio Grajeda. To this union, a son, Anthony “Tony” was born. When Tony was only 2 years old, Antonio passed away leaving Emma as a single mom.

In 1952, Emma married Jesse Mascarenas, a recent widower, and gained four step-children whom she helped raise: Jay, Ernest, Susie and Clem. A few years later, Emma and Jesse welcomed a son, Michael to the family. While Jesse worked as a coal miner, Emma was devoted to taking care of her home and her family. Emma and Jesse were married 55 years.

One of Emma’s greatest passions in life was volunteering for several organizations including the Food Bank and Memorial Regional Health (as a pink lady) where she received volunteer of the year. Emma also volunteered as an interpreter for various organizations and businesses in Craig. When she retired, she had over 33 years of volunteer work. She worked at the nursing home and as a lunch lady at East Elementary. Emma was also a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church for many years. She loved singing in the choir, organizing the Christmas Bazaars and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society.

Above all, Emma was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

Emma is survived by her son, Michael and daughter-in-law Rhonda Mascarenas; daughter-in-law, Shamra Grajeda; three step-children: Jay Mascarenas (Terry), Susie Herrera (Pat) and Clem Mascarenas; six siblings: Ambrosio Romero, Jr. (Gloria), Floyd Gutierrez, Cecil Gutierrez (Kay), Viola Hernandez (Joe), Dorothy Tabor and Emily Carmichael; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several great great-grandchildren. She was also blessed with many nieces, nephews and God children.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Cecilio Gutierrez; husband, Jesse Mascarenas; son, Tony Grajeda; great-grandson, Layne Antonio Grajeda; her sister, Mary (Blondie) Ulibarri; step-son, Ernest Mascarenas; and step-daughter, Mary Lou Martinez.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Moffat County Humane Society or to the Altar Rosary Society in care of Grant Mortuary.