Photo of Esther García courtesy of Roberta Salazar

Dedicated former mayor of the Village of Questa, New Mexico, Esther García was a strong advocate for the Hispanic community, defending traditional Hispano cultural practices on our lands and waters. Former Mayor García passed away on January 5, 2020 after living her days as a fierce supporter of land access and cultural preservation.

Ms. García grew up with a deep understanding of herencia and querencia, her life profoundly impacted by the natural beauty surrounding Questa, like the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the high desert plateau. She was 11th generation Questeña, and her family developed a cattle business and general store in the 1930s.

“We walked to the store, grew our own food, and put up hay for our cattle. We survived because of the land and water, and we need to pass on that connection to each generation,” Ms. García is remembered as saying to Women of Taos.

Stemming from a family of committed land protectors, Ms. García’s grandfather often reminded her that the land available was limited, and that taking care of it before it disappeared mattered. Her parents were devoted community servants, her father serving as mayor and councilman of Questa, and her mother a school teacher. Both loved the Village of Questa, her mother even co-authoring an account of Questa history.

During her tenure as mayor and throughout her lifetime, Ms. García always stood up for the community, demanding land access to practice cultural traditions that are passed on for generations, informed by Hispanic heritage. Among Ms. García’s many contributions to the community, she:

Served the acequía associations.
Was instrumental in receiving funds to rebuild the Cabresto Dam, which supplies Questa’s northern acequías.
Advocated for the restoration of the San Antonio Del Rio Colorado Land Grant, allowing for the free practice of cultural traditions such as wood-cutting, and piñon gathering.
Supported wilderness designations to help preserve land and water for future generations.
Founded the Questa Achievers 4-H club in 1980, serving as leader for 23 years.
Fought to restore the historic San Antonio Church and preserve Questa history and cultural heritage.
Was active and instrumental in the establishment of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

A powerful voice for the Hispanic community, she enjoyed hiking the Columbine trail, having a picnic, and soaking her feet in the river, taking in the beautiful scenery of her beloved Questa landscape.

HECHO is thankful for her leadership, dedication, and advocacy for the Hispanic community, our cultural practices, and land-based traditions. Esther Garcia will be deeply missed by all.

Her rosary will be Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., with her funeral taking place Friday, January 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Guest Blog: A Lifetime of Tireless Advocacy Serving Questa Community Members