Madeline Tafoya Naranjo

Madeline Tafoya (1912-2002) was a noted Santa Clara. She was the cousin to Margaret Tafoya. In her lifetime, she won many awards from the Santa Fe Indian Market, and the prestigious Governors award. Madeline learned her trade from her Grandmother and her aunt. She specialized in traditional Santa Clara black and red pottery. When asked her favorite part of the work, she replied, "Creating each piece from the shapes in my mind." Madeline past away after a short illness in late December, 2002. She was 90 years old. She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Tafoya; husband, Jose A. Tafoya; and great-granddaughter, Justine Tafoya. She is survived by her two daughters, Laura Pino and husband Eugene of San Ildefonso, and Leona Trujillo and husband Wilmer of Santa Clara Pueblo; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Madeline was a legend in Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery and will be surely missed.