Roberta A. Del Santo

Roberta Ann Del Santo (née Ortiz), 41, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on October 4 2025.

Roberta was the beloved wife of Bryan Del Santo, daughter of Patsy and David Ortiz and sister to Sandra Ortiz and Darlene Martinez. Born on August 19, 1984, in Albuquerque, she was deeply connected to her family and the community.

Roberta earned her Associate of Arts degree in Veterinary Assistance from Pima Medical Institute and built a well-respected career as a veterinary technician. She is known for her compassion, gentle touch, and unmatched dedication to the care of animals. Her coworkers and clients knew her as someone whose skills and empathy went beyond words. She treated every animal as her own.

She dreamed of turning her home into a haven for older animals in need of love and comfort in their remaining years. A home already filled with the warmth (and chaos) of the pets she adored: Gunner, Nut Job Nona, Neo and Pearl.

Roberta will be remembered for her playful sense of humor, love of loud rock music, and her ability to put everyone at ease. She met and married the love of her life, Bryan, and together they shared a partnership of laughter, loyalty, love and mutual care.

Roberta was preceded in death by Uncle William Valdez. She is survived by her husband, Bryan; her parents, Patsy and David; her parents-in-law, David Del Santo and Carol Mabry; her sisters, Sandra, Darlene and husband, Ray Martinez; her sister-in-law, Amy Heverly, and husband, Matt Heverly; her nephew and nieces, Dominic Rodarte, Ramon Martinez, Alayna Heverly, and Isaac Heverly; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and coworkers.

A rosary will be held at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, on October 15th at 6:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Street cat Hub www.streetcathub.org/donate, in honor of Roberta’s lifelong love for animals.