Albertina Macias

Albertina Macias Portillo, 86, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Albertina was born on October 8, 1936 to Otilia Portillo and Amalio Esnaira in Balleza, Chihuahua. She lived in Balleza until she was nine, then moved to Chihuahua City where she helped her mother run a boarding house. Albertina acquired her love of cooking and earned her green thumb working alongside her mom and two sisters. She loved taking care of others and dreamed of having a family of her own, and at the age of 18 she met her husband, Roberto Macias. They were married on September 11, 1954, and moved to Juarez where they set up their home.  

By age 22, she shared her desire to manage a grocery store and partnered with Roberto to build and open their shop, El Crucero Macias. When the family moved to El Paso, Texas, Albertina found the plot of land for their home and literally helped build it brick by brick. She enjoyed bringing work and her love of socializing together by selling Stanley products, winning multiple awards, including a trip to the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. Soon after, she began a 25-year career as a quality control auditor with Levi’s Strauss & Co. She loved hosting family and friends and making big Mexican dinners. Everyone loved her cooking, especially at Christmas when she made her famous green chicken tamales. She filled every part of their home with wonderful scents and lots of love.  

Albertina is survived by her children, Lina (Mario) Negroni of Austin, Texas, Elda (Greg) Macias of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Roberto (Kelly) Macias of Albers, Illinois, and Dante (Jacqueline) Macias of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She had 10 grandchildren (Mario, Linett, Kierstin, Madeline, Roberto III, Estela, Orion, Lucius, Antonio, Zoraida), and 3 great grandchildren (Mario, Lily, Luna). She is preceded in death by her husband, Roberto Macias, and sisters, Avelina Garcia and Griselda Esnaira.

A Memorial Service will take place 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on November 18, 2023, at Sunset Funeral Home, 480 Resler Drive, at which time the entire family can be together to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.