Theresa Claire Fragua

Theresa “Tessie” Claire (Montoya) Fragua, 96, born on April 27, 1929 in St. Michaels, Arizona to Ada Kie of the Laguna Pueblo and Joseph Montoya of the San Juan Pueblo, passed peacefully on March 19, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George J. Fragua, who passed away on February 15, 2026, after nearly 76 years of marriage.

Tessie was one of eight children. She left high school to care for her mother, but returned to school in Santa Fe, where she met George. They married on March 25, 1950. She worked for Bataan Memorial Hospital/Lovelace for 38 years in the orthopedic surgery recovery unit.

Tessie loved to embroider, cross-stitch, and bead, winning ribbons for some of her work at the New Mexico State Fair. She also liked participating in races where she won multiple awards for her speed walking, many of which supported breast cancer research, as she was a 45+ year survivor.

Tessie was endlessly loved by her family for her generosity and caring nature. She was the proud matriarch of five generations. She is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Georgia & Olen Hedges and Janet & James Hevey, of Albuquerque. Grandsons and their spouses: Kevin & Emily Hedges, Adam Hevey & Jessicah Adkins, and Jenner & Natsuko Hedges. Great-grandchildren: Kyle & Kristen Hedges, Mischa Avery Hedges, and Mayera Nicole Hedges. Great-great grandchildren: Kora Adaline Hedges and Keanu Lee Hedges.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to cancer research in Tessie’s name.