SANTA TERESA, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Families with loved ones buried at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery in Santa Teresa are expressing frustration over the deteriorating conditions of the site.
Gary Aboud, who has been visiting his son and 10 other family members buried at the cemetery for 18 years, described the current state as a “complete disaster.”
“Headstones are falling in… hasn’t been watered in months and months. Some trees are starting to die, as you can tell,” said Aboud.
Aboud recalled a time when the cemetery was a “lush, green location with a beautiful Franklin [Mountains] in the background,” but said that neglect has led to its decline.
Aboud noted that the cemetery’s condition has worsened significantly over the past few years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m looking over my shoulder right now and there’s a lady actually watering a plot over here,” he said.
Cemetery visitors brought their own water to water a loved ones plot. (KFOX14/CBS4)
Jena Annabi, who has been visiting her grandfather’s grave for the past four years, shared similar concerns.
“Recently I’ve been coming and, like, rather than spending time and just being with him, I literally had to get towels that I use for my car wash and clean off his grave because you couldn’t even see his name,” said Annabi.
Annabi expressed her disappointment, saying,
That’s so sad. They’re literally sinking in. That’s not what you pay for, and that’s not how it used to be. It’s just really sad.
The cemetery declined an interview but provided a statement acknowledging issues with personnel and irrigation systems:
We take our responsibilities to the families that we serve very seriously at Memory Gardens of the Valley. We have experienced issues with personnel and irrigation systems over the past several months. We believe we know we have that behind us, and we are working diligently towards our resolution on our water system. We currently have about half of the water system operational, and we hope to have it 100% operational by the end of next week. We currently have many sprinklers working, and many men on the ground working. We thank every family member of the thousands of families who are buried at Memory Gardens for their patience. If every family would be so kind if they have a specific request or concern to contact our office at 575-589-2371. Please leave your name, your request and, most importantly, your phone number so that we may call you back if we have any questions. Thank you again for your patience.
The statement was provided by Dennis and Kim Bridges, owners of Memory Gardens of the Valley.
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