Eleanor "Dolly / La Muñequita" Valdez Mondragón, 83 (June 20th, 1933 - May 2nd, 2017)

May 8, 2017​

 HEleanor Dollie Mondragon
June 20th, 1933 - May 2nd, 2017
Biography
Dollie Mondragon age 83 passed away on May 2, 2017. She
was born in Taos on June 20, 1933 and was the daughter of J. Manual Valdez and Azucena Gonzales Valdez. She was the granddaughter of Inocencio Valdez who was one of the original founders of the Taos News when it was known as "El Crepusculo" and the niece of Felix D. 
Valdes who was the editor of the Spanish section for many years.
As a young woman Dollie was known as "La Munequita" and performedcanciones rancheras accompanied by Ramon Hernandez, a favorite professional entertainer in Taos. They performed in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Her recordings are part of the The UNM John Donald Robb Musical Trust, a collection of recordings of Hispanic folk music across New Mexico and beyond during the mid-20th century. Here is an example from the Robb Archive.
Dollie loved her family, her culture, her history and her beautiful Taos.
She shared her knowledge, traditions, and culture with her children,
grandchildren and the people of the Taos community. She was called on many times as a resource, and asked to give presentations and was featured in "Remarkable Women of Taos: A Year Long Community-Wide Celebration Honoring Outstanding Taosenas" by Elizabeth J. Cunningham. Dollie loved to sing and dance, and loved flowers.
Dollie Valdez married Ted Mondragón on June 7, 1952 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. At their side were Padrinos Juan I. Valerio, Mercedes Valerio, Juan Mondragón and Cecelia Valdez.
Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 7 PM at Our Lady
of Guadalupe Catholic Church. 
Funeral mass will be held on Friday,
May 12, 2017 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.