In Loving Memory of My Grandmother, Nina

Thank you for taking a moment to learn about my grandmother, Nina M. Largo. She is the heart of my story—my upbringing, my education, my career, and my business all trace back to her. Since her passing in 2002, not a day goes by that I do not think of her or honor the wisdom, love, and strength she gave me.

Nina was born in September 1931 in Bluewater Village, New Mexico. She later made her home in Blackwater, New Mexico—Tó Łizhín—where she raised her children and grandchildren with deep love and enduring values. She was married to my grandfather, Jimmie Largo Sr., a respected rancher, community leader, and Navajo Nation Judge, until his passing in 1981. Though I never met him, his spirit lived on through my grandmother’s stories.

In her early years, my grandmother worked the carrot fields in Milan, NM during the 1940s and 1950s. Later, she became a school bus driver and was beloved by the children she greeted each day—knowing every child by name. Though she did not complete formal schooling, she deeply valued education and spent time assisting students in the classroom.

Above all, my grandmother was a carrier of Diné knowledge, tradition, and the sacred way of life. As a young woman, she learned prayers and songs from her father, Paddy Martinez—my great-grandfather—who would sit with her to pass down our sacred teachings. She carried one of the most beautiful singing voices in our language, and community members often called upon her to sing at ceremonies. Her voice was more than a gift—it was a calling.

Nina lived in balance with the land and all living things. She believed everything had purpose and spirit. As a rancher, she raised sheep, cattle, horses, and even vibrant peacocks. She could train and break horses with ease and care. Her connection to the land was not just practical—it was spiritual.

Her commitment to community and youth remained strong throughout her life. She served over a decade as a Peacemaker for the Navajo Nation Courts, supporting the Eastern Agency. She was a trusted elder—wise, fair, and compassionate—helping people resolve conflict and restore harmony. She also served on the Navajo Nation School Board Association, where she advocated for the well-being and education of Diné youth.

Beyond these roles, my grandmother was a quiet yet powerful presence in community life. She regularly attended local governance meetings and offered counsel to leaders, families, and young people. She was known as a healer, a storyteller, a peacekeeper, and a source of humor and hope. People sought her out for words of encouragement, prayer, oral teachings, and guidance.

This is only a glimpse of the incredible woman my grandmother was. I carry her spirit with me every day—her courage, her grace, her faith, and her voice. In her honor, I encourage you to cherish your elders, uphold oral history, and continue the teachings of respect, family, and prayer. Let every day be lived with intention, dignity, and harmony.