Ernestine "Tina" Padilla

Tina Padilla, 89, passed away peacefully October 4, 2026, in Pueblo, Colorado, where she was born and raised. She was the beloved daughter of the late Florentino Vialpando and Carmen Santistevan and devoted wife of the late Arthur Padilla. She was the loving mother of Janet Padilla-Mamon, Teri Tito, and Mary Ellen Christian; and adored grandmother of Dylan Tito, Max Mamon, Miles Mamon, Mitchell Mamon, and Morgan Mamon. She is survived by her sister Mary Martinez, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Tina was a member of Central High School’s Class of 1955. She married Arthur in 1957, and together they moved to Chicago, where they raised their three daughters in the neighborhood of Bridgeport. Tina worked at Mercy Hospital, where she worked with electron microscopy as a laboratory technician and phlebotomist before retiring.

Tina was deeply involved in her church and community. In Chicago, she was an active member of St. Barbara Parish and served on the Board of Directors of Benton Community Settlement, helping families and children in Chicago’s inner-city communities find opportunities and support. She also served as president of her daughters’ PTA at St. Barbara High School.

After returning to Pueblo in 2001, Tina continued her lifelong commitment to her faith and to serving others. She was an active member of the Shrine of St. Therese, where she served as President of the Catholic Council of Women. She volunteered extensively at the church, helping organize parish activities and attending to the many practical needs of the parish.

Tina was also active in the Daughters of Isabella and supported the Knights of Columbus. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pueblo Auxiliary #145, where she served as a trustee. She belonged to the Retired Eagles Activity Club, serving as president for one year, as well as the Seniors Travel Club and the Southern Colorado Social Club, where she served on the Mission Committee.

Tina enjoyed an active life and cherished the friendships she made throughout her years. She was an avid bowler, participating in the Golden Oldies, Senior Fun, and Morning Glories bowling leagues and often scoring over 200. She loved traveling with friends, singing karaoke, staying involved in her community, and spending time with the people she loved.

Above all, Tina was devoted to her family, her husband, her faith, and her many friends. She was a loving mother and grandmother who gave generously of her time and energy to the people and communities around her.

A visitation will be held from 3 to 6pm Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, with a rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by mass at 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Therese and interment at Roselawn Cemetery. Please join in celebrating Tina’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Tina’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Te amo con todo mi corazón”