Mary R. Maes, 84, a longtime resident of Las Vegas, passed away on Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, in Rio Rancho, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness. She was born on May 14, 1931, to Florencio Rael and Nora Bachicha Rael in Anton Chico. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from New Mexico Highlands University. She served as a teacher for West Las Vegas Schools for 30 years. Mary was a very active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, member of the Altar Society, Love of God Prayer Group, Catholic Daughters, Love of God Choir and Santo Niño Choir. She was preceded in death by her parents: Florencio and Nora Rael; husband: Manuel Maes; brother: Pat Romero; and mother-in-law: Mela M. Maes. She is survived by her daughters: Christine Hedquist and husband, Edward, of Santa Fe, and JoAnn Maes of Las Vegas; sons: David Maes of San Diego, Calif., and Jack Maes of Las Vegas; grandchildren: Victoria Hedquist, Valerie Roybal and husband, Kevin, and Matthew Hedquist and wife, Dixie; great-grandchildren: Liam and Lauren; sisters and brothers: Verna Sanchez, Jennie Vigil; David Romero and wife, Betty, all of Denver, Frank Romero and wife, Blanca, of Oklahoma City, Okla., Linda Mckeehan of Hinckley, Calif.; sister-in-law: Dolores Weins of San Jose, Calif.; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Mary was a very dedicated and caring teacher and was loved and admired by many of the kids she taught and colleagues she taught with, during and after her 30-year tenure with the West Las Vegas Schools. For her contributions she was presented with an award by N.E.A. for her dedication and years of service. The award read, "The teacher gives not of her wisdom but rather of her faith and her lovingness."Mary was a devout Catholic and enjoyed singing in various choirs and enjoyed expanding the knowledge of her faith through prayer groups and Charismatic Conferences, which she attended with other prayer group members. After a week of teaching she was always enthusiastic to attend her prayer group meeting on Friday night with her friends, Judy and Leroy Martinez, Judy Arguello, Juan Ortega and Rudy and JoAnne Castellano to name a few. She also received the "gift of tongues" and felt very blessed by this accomplishment.During her senior years after retirement, she remained active in the Retired Teachers Association and stayed in contact with her former colleagues and friends. She was known as an outgoing, friendly person and had many friends and acquaintances. She enjoyed attending and hosting garage sales with her friend Serbana Sanchez. She also enjoyed visiting and attending functions with her friends Benny Roybal and Annabelle Olivas. She enjoyed spending time and enjoyed cooking for her family and grandchildren - Vicky Hedquist. Mary also liked to accompany her husband, Manuel on trips and stays at the family cattle ranch at Dahlia and LuvinaMary will be missed by her family and friends and we ask that she be kept in your prayers. Mom, we love you and we will never forget you for the remarkable person you were and all you taught us. Lord, thank you for allowing us to enjoy her for 84 wonderful years.We would like to thank OLOS Church, Father, C. John Brasher, John Ortega, eulogy; the Love of God Choir, Santo Niño Choir, Rosary Services by Rosemary Bustamante, Readings by Valerie Hedquist, Eucharistic Minister, Mary Tenorio; friends, Elaine Luna and Margaret Pino for all their assistance. A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a rosary service at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas.A funeral service will be held following the Rosary also at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with Father C. John Brasher as celebrant. Mary Tenorio will serve as Eucharistic Minister. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Las Vegas. Serving as pallbearers are: Matthew Hedquist, Abel Lucero, Dave Luna, Michael Nava, Candido Ortega and Julian Pino. Honorary pallbearers are: Dave Romero, Edward Hedquist, the late Larry Rael; Mete Velasquez, Paul Marrujo and the late Amadeo Tenorio.Visit Rogers Mortuary's website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign their online register book. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary; 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas; 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.