Desmond Watkins Machuca's Obituary
Desmond Rae Watkins Machuca, 65, passed away on September 3, 2025, in Colorado Springs, CO, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Born on March 22, 1960, in El Paso, TX, to Charlie May and Ellsworth “Lefty” Watkins, Desmond was the youngest of eight daughters. She excelled academically and was known for her gregarious personality and joyous spirit. She attended the Radford School for Girls, Austin High School, and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Adventurous by nature, Desmond lived in cities across the country—including Dallas, Santa Fe, Seattle, and Scottsdale—before returning home to El Paso. She built a meaningful career at the El Paso Electric Company, where she worked as a Senior Energy Efficiency Analyst. Desmond’s strong work ethic, conscientiousness, and warm spirit made her a valued colleague and friend to many.
Deeply committed to serving others, Desmond helped establish the Home Run for the Homeless 5K fundraiser in 2014, which continues to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. She served on the board of directors for the Opportunity Center for the Homeless and volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and United Way of El Paso.
Desmond’s kindness and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She remained close to many lifelong friends, cherished her family, and lit up every room with her dazzling smile and infectious laugh. Her fierce determination and generous heart will be remembered always.
She is survived by her sisters Pat Miledi, Jan Quevedo, Jody Graham, and Susie Aikman, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Machuca, and sisters Michael Gladden, Tracy Kuntz, and Donna Weidler.
Desmond’s light and joy will never be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed. A celebration of her life will be held in El Paso at a later date.
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