La Fonda’s True Legacy
Dear Friends,
It’s important to remember that times of loss are also a time of renewal. I’ve been repeating this refrain to myself recently as our La Fonda family processes the loss of two very special individuals. The heart of this hotel has always been, and always will be, the people that bring it to life.
Last month we were heartbroken to learn of the passing of Peta Stockdale, one of La Fonda’s founding docents. Peta played a key role in establishing our art and history program, working closely with me and our longtime hotel historian, Ed Pulsifer to share La Fonda’s rich stories, art, and cultural legacy with our guests and our community. Her love of history was rooted in a genuine desire to connect people to place. Last year, we were proud to hold a special event with strong attendance to honor Peta as the recipient of our Founding Docent Award, celebrating her extraordinary impact on La Fonda’s docent program. This important program, which Peta helped build, has been recognized by the New Mexico Hospitality Association with the award for “Outstanding Attraction – La Fonda Detours – Docent Art & History Tours.”
On a personal note, I was incredibly close with Peta. We lived two doors away from one another in Dallas while I was growing up – and I even babysat her two children many moons ago. She had the only swimming pool in the neighborhood and so going over to her house to swim, as a young girl, was such a treat. She was very connected to SMU, my alma mater, so we had many things in common. It was serendipitous that we both eventually migrated from the Lone Star State to the Land of Enchantment. I was thrilled to discover Peta’s enthusiasm for our art and history docent program and even happier to see how seamlessly she became an integral part of our hotel family. I know Peta was especially close to the concierge team and my heart truly goes out to them. I know her nearly daily presence in our lobby brought joy and positivity; she beamed a very special kind of light with her sparkling eyes and her darling British accent, which we will long remember. Her legacy lives on through the successful docent program she helped establish and the countless lives she touched. She always said yes when we needed a special docent tour and I feel sure she educated at least 1,000 people in our rich history. Everyone loved Peta.
We also pause to honor another beloved member of our La Fonda family with the recent passing of Jesusita Salazar, one of our cherished banquet bartenders, who passed away, too young, due to health complications. Jesusita’s warm spirit, smiling face and service-oriented attitude were contagious. She brought joy, professionalism, and heartfelt care to every wedding and event she supported at the hotel. In fact, in 2024, she was honored with a New Mexico Hospitality TopHat award for her spirit of professionalism and the positive contributions she made to the industry. From the Sales team to the front desk, restaurant staff to the valet and bellmen, everyone was touched by her luminous spirit. Her legacy lives on through the three lovely children she leaves behind, and through the many colleagues and guests who were fortunate to know her. She will be deeply missed.
As we remember these remarkable individuals, we also look ahead with intention and hope for renewal. Later this month, La Fonda will be closing on February 8 to complete key electrical upgrades—an important investment in the safety, reliability, and future of our historic property. We look forward to reopening with the peace of mind that comes from knowing our electrical network is modern, secure, and ready to support our next 100 years of hospitality.
With a bit of sadness, respect and love,
Jenny
Jenny Kimball
Ambassador and Board Chair Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
DETOURS AT LA FONDA
From HF Coors dinnerware, to Sandy Vaillancourt originals and prints, the Shop has an eclectic mix of hand crafted goods. Explore!
PIÑON COURT BY LA FONDA
Piñon Court by La Fonda —just steps from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza is an ideal location to relax in the heart of Santa Fe. Discover the hotel’s Bistro, featuring local spirits, wines and regionally inspired cuisine.
CYNDE ROOF FINE ART
Cynde Roof
105 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-365-2758
GEMSONG GALLERY
Discover Santa Fe’s largest collection of turquoise at Gemsong Gallery, next to Detours at La Fonda.
Learn about the history of turquoise through Gemsong’s “Turquoise 101 Tour” guided by Peter Vajda, an industry icon and a unique resource in Santa Fe, who:
- Led the jewelry and gemstone trades for over six decades
- Operated on every level of trade from mining to retail
- Is a world recognized expert in colored gems, has lectured widely and advised gemstone laboratories around the globe
- Wrote definitions concerning the proper disclosure and sales of turquoise and other gems, definitions related to authentic Native American jewelry and other Native American Arts and Crafts for both state and federal laws (testifying before the US Congress twice)
- Was intermittently the largest international turquoise dealer during his career (acquiring over 10 billion carats of turquoise from virtually every iconic turquoise mine in the world)
- Specializes in collectable American Turquoise and Native American Jewelry
- Served as a board member for the New Mexico Better Business Bureau and a member of Ethical Trade Organization
- Featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
To book a tour, inquire at the gallery or call:
505.819.7227 or 505.988.5536
EXPLORE THE SHOPS