https://www.directorschoicenm.com/obituary/Yolanda-Darrington
Yolanda O (Madrid) Darrington, “Yole”, 67, a lifelong resident of Cuba, NM, was born on September 26, 1958. She passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, June 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She is preceded in death by Parents: Joe Madrid and Lillian Salazar Madrid and husband Julian Duran along with eldest sister Rosie Jaramillo and brother-in-law Frank Jaramillo; Suegros Rafael & Audelia Duran, Brothers & Sister-in-law: Ralph & Jessie Duran, Chemo & Flora Duran, Cecilia & Jose Duarte.
She is survived by her partner of 18 years, Pat Chavez, her children: Brian Darrington & wife Michelle, Anthony Madrid & wife Crystal, Elyssa Duran Fernandez & husband Brandon; her grandchildren: Anthony Madrid Jr, Isabel Madrid and Marcos Fernandez; great-grandson Karson Madrid. Sister: Lilly Dominguez and brother-in-law Gilbert, brother Philip Madrid and sister-in-law Audrey, Sister-in-laws: Fabiola Morales (Clarence), Jennie Chapman (Bill), Emma Dominguez, Brothers-in-law: Gilbert Duran (Sharon), Rick Duran (Terry); Hijada: Victoria Dominguez; Niece who was like a sister, Cordelia Chavez (Joe), nephew who was like a brother, Frankito Jaramillo along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins & extended family.
Yole was the baby of the family and in her childhood, grew up between Cuba, NM and CaƱones, NM. She would reminisce about riding horses all over the ranch, laugh about all the mischief she and her cousins and siblings would get into and all the fun times they shared.
Yole is remembered for athleticism in her youth throughout her high school years, as well as being Ms. Rio Arriba Queen in 1974, something she talked about regularly. Yole attended school in Cuba and graduated in 1976. She attended college at UNM for a couple years. Yolanda worked at the Cuba Health Center for a handful of years, building many key skills and lasting friendships. Yolanda returned to college at NMHU in Las Vegas, NM and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. Her goal was always to return to Cuba to teach. Upon graduation, she taught for a brief period in Torreon, NM. Following that, she embarked on her next career path as an English Teacher at Cuba High School for the next 25 years, while raising her family. In 2008 she completed her Master’s degree in Special Education. Upon retirement, she returned twice more as a teacher, finally retiring for the last time in 2020.
Teaching was a profession for Yole, but more than that, a passion. So many of her former students remember her as warm, welcoming, encouraging & foundational. Her classroom was a place for learning but also a place for fun, card games of speed and of course potluck lunches for the ages. She often told stories of students, their progress in grammar, their beautiful poetry and of course, their semester grade research papers.
Yole enjoyed many hobbies and past times: horseback riding, cooking, cleaning, quilting, crocheting, gardening, making jelly, harvesting herbs, listening to music and dancing. Her most cherished time was spent raising her kids, teaching them the value of an education and leading by examples in teaching a strong work ethic. In her later years she enjoyed her grandkids, watching them play in the yard, cooking their favorite foods and her visits with family and friends.
Yole was a cherished wife, mother, suegra, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend. Yole will be remembered for her straight-forward demeanor, giving nature, kindness, strength, strong work ethic, vibrant spirit and her contagious laugh and big, big smile. Yole will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Pallbearers are: Gilbert Dominguez Sr, Gilbert Dominguez Jr, Daniel Dominguez, Frankie Jaramillo, Joseph Chavez, Joseph Madrid, Justin Madrid, Kevin Duran & Diego Serrano.
Honorary pallbearers are: Anthony Madrid Jr, Karson Madrid, Brandon Fernandez & Marcos Fernandez.
A rosary will be held on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at 7pm @ Immaculate Conception Church (6440 US-550 Cuba, NM 87013). Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 at 11am also at Immaculate Conception Church. Private burial to follow.
