Autumn Memories, captures the cultural memories of a family who arrived in the Denver-Metro area in the early part of the century from New Mexico. Marie Oralia Durán Trujillo writes about her ancestors, thirteen generations back and comes forward as we enter the new millinium with her great-granchildren. Marie is a descendent of the first Europeans that arrived in New Mexico in 1598, with names such as Duran, Gallegos, Montoya, Quintana, Rael, Baca, Trujillo, Navarro, Mendez and Jaramillo. She talks about each of these different families as her story unfolds. Her family lived in New Mexico when it was under Spanish rule, Mexican rule, as a Territory of the United States and finally statehood. Her family planted roots and sprouted wings north from New Mexico to settle in Brighton, a few miles outside of Denver, Colorado.

     Marie shares her family history, genealogy, traditions, personal conflict as she deals with an aging parent, as a cancer survivor, and the day to day joys and sorrows that are part of family life. The love and pride in her family are expressed in her family values. As Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo eloquently states in the Foreword of this book, "Marie embodies the concept of family and shares herself with each of us through her words and personal thoughts. This book will provide you with an experience that will warm your heart and give you a slice of life in Hispanic America.” The photo is of Mauro Gallegos, Candido Garcia, Maximiana Gallegos, Fedelia Gallegos and Estevan Garcia courtesy of Ernie Ulibarri, son of Fedelia and Apolonio.

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