Linda P. Payanes of Carlsbad, NM, passed away Friday, February 12, 2021, at the age of 71.
Linda was born February 21, 1949, in Carlsbad, NM, to Monico and Consuelo Aguilera. She
graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1967. Following graduation, she moved to Houston,
TX, to pursue a career as a flight attendant for Trans Texas Airway. She later returned to
Carlsbad, NM to be closer to family and continue her education. Linda married Jose Payanes in
June of 1975 in Carlsbad, NM. Jose and Linda remained in Carlsbad where they raised four
beautiful children. Linda Payanes worked for the Carlsbad Municipal Schools for many years
where she served in various capacities; most recently, librarian for Puckett Elementary. During
her time with the Carlsbad schools, she also served as Union President for the American
Federation of Teachers, where she was nationally recognized for her leadership efforts. Linda
retired from Carlsbad Municipal Schools in 2012.
Linda enjoyed many hobbies; she loved traveling with her closest friends, reading, writing,
dancing, baking, and most importantly, spending time with her family, especially her
grandchildren. She always said her grandchildren were her greatest gifts. Linda was a loving
wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved everyone unconditionally and will be missed
dearly by those who knew her.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Monico and Consuelo Aguilera and brother, Rafael
“Felo” Aguilera. Survivors include husband, Jose “Mike” Payanes of Carlsbad, NM; daughter,
Kathy Payanes of Santa Fe, NM; son, Michael Payanes and wife, Enedelya of Carlsbad, NM;
son, Carlos Payanes and partner Melinda Olivas of Roswell, NM; son, Jose Payanes III and wife
Veronica of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren, Santiago, Nallely, Amari, Matteo, Mia, Thalia,
Eliana, and Natalia; siblings, Bigo Aguilera, Monica Aguilera, Oscar Aguilera, Pablo Aguilera,
and Martha Aguilera; and numerous nieces and nephews.