Gerri Paiz

Gerri Lee Paiz, age 71, was born in Gallup, New Mexico on June 8th, 1954 and passed away at her home in the South Valley on March 23rd, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Gerri graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1972 where she was elected student body president. She met the love of her life, Bill Paiz, and they were married on April 28th, 1973. They were married for 52 years and raised six children. Gerri’s life was spent living out the two great commandments of Jesus Christ: love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. She was an amazing home cook and hosted some of the most memorable Christmas parties. Anyone who came to her home was welcomed with open arms, a full plate, and the feeling of being part of the family. Gerri loved praying the Rosary and she leaned heavily on her faith in Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother Mary when the difficulties of life became hard to bear. Gerri and Bill’s first daughter, Phylisha, was born with Down syndrome and she has always been their “special daughter”. This inspired Gerri to spend most of her professional life as a caretaker for people with developmental disabilities. She saw the Image of God in all of her clients and treated them with dignity, respect, and love. Gerri and Bill loved going on trips to Mexico, going on cruises, and enjoying weekends filled with long island ice teas and slot machines at Buffalo Thunder. Gerri’s grandchildren brought her so much joy and she took every opportunity to spoil them. In one of her last messages to her grandchildren, she told them, “Always give praise to God, my babies” Gerri was preceded in death by her parents, Felicito and Jennie Vallez. Gerri is survived by her husband, Bill Paiz; children, Phylisha Paiz, Billy Paiz and husband, Dr. Christopher Paiz, Patrick and Sonya Paiz, Jonathan Paiz and husband, Antonio Sanchez Sanchez, Matthew Paiz and wife, Cayla Carr Paiz, Mary Rose Sena, and husband Kendrick Sena; grandchildren, Aidan, Priya, Anastasia, Nikhil, Raphael, Felicity, and Baby Logan; siblings, Patricia Raborn and husband, Jeff, Phylisha Samora and husband, Joe; siblings in-laws, Dora Chavez, Vangie Paiz, Louise Archibeque, and husband, Gerald, Ronald Paiz and wife, Bernie; uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends considered as family. Viewing will be held at Church of the Ascension (2150 Raymac Rd SW Albuquerque, NM 87105) at 6:00pm on Friday April 10th with Rosary at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will also be held at Church of the Ascension at 10:00am on Saturday April 11th with burial to follow at Pajarito Cemetary.