Quantcast
Channel: Albuquerque Journal Obituaries
Viewing all 6274 articles
Browse latest View live

Obituary for SALAS

$
0
0
SALAS, CLARABELLE BARBARA ANN The Family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all relatives and friends who were so kind and supportive during this time. Your kindness will always be remembered. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services ALAMEDA MORTUARY 9420 Fourth St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-3160

Obituary for RAGAN

$
0
0
RAGAN, PATRICIA &Quot;TRISH&Quot; 89, died June 16th in her daughter, Sharon "Sherry" Gregg's, Albuquerque home. Also surviving is her son, Mike (DeAnna) Ragan, Warsaw, IN; two granddaughters, Dione McCandlish, Albuquerque and Theresa (Krystal and Kyra) Satterfield of Moriarty. Visitation is Sunday, June 22nd from 2-7 PM EDT at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw; Funeral, Monday June 23rd, 1 PM, at the funeral home

Obituary for PAULSON

$
0
0
PAULSON, LENORA PASCHALL Born May 11, 1928, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Thursday, June 19, 2014. She was the daughter of Lon and Ada Paschall and granddaughter of Samuel Hadlock, an early pioneer settler of Estancia Valley. Nora attended Albuquerque Public Schools and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1946. She was employed as a secretary by New York Life Insurance Co. and the VA Regional Medical Center, where she retired in 1987. Nora was a longtime member of Hoffmantown Church and dearly loved her church family. She was a Girl Scout leader from Brownies through Senior Scouts, and a member of the Genealogy Club of Albuquerque. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe, where numerous friendships and memories were made. Nora was a master gardener with a passion for plants and flowers. Nora is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, LeRoy Paulson; daughter, Cheryl Hebert and her husband, Michael of Bonney Lake, WA; and son, Stephen Paulson and his wife, Shelley of Kodiak, AK. Nora was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Conner of Fairbanks, AK. She is also survived by her son-in-law, James Conner of Fairbanks; grandchildren, Joshua, Lucas and Jared Hebert, Christopher and Chad Paulson, and Jake and Zoey Conner. The family requests memorial contributions, if so desired, be made to Special Collections Branch, Albuquerque Public Library, 501 Copper NW 87107. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 2:00 pm at FRENCH - Lomas Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with visitation one hour prior from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. Please visit the online guestbook for Christian at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500

Obituary for OLSON

$
0
0
OLSON, LINDA LEE Linda Lee Olson, of Corrales, age 62, passed away June 11, 2014. She is survived by her loving husband Oly; cherished children Cisco (Audra) Sedillo, of Albuquerque, and Michelle (James Vallejos) Sedillo, of Rio Rancho; beloved grandchildren, Devon, Cameron, Jalen, Mari, Samantha, and Quinn; her devoted siblings, Jean (Roy) Conner, Michael Lewis, David (Kay Schumacher) Lewis, of Albuquerque, and Stephen Lewis, of Durango; sister in law, Janice Olson and many caring nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and her sisters, Grace Lewis and Debbie Knauber, and nephew, James Freed. A Celebration of Life service will be Friday, June 27, 2014, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Westside, 9300 Golf Course Road NW. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior. In lieu of flowers please send donations on behalf of Linda to Susan G. Komen Foundation, P. O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Please visit our online guestbook for Linda at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500

Obituary for MCFARLING

$
0
0
MCFARLING, FLOYD LAVERNE &Quot;MAC&Quot; Floyd LaVerne McFarling ("Mac") was born May 17, 1922, in Denver, Colorado, to Gertrude Mary Brown-McFarling and Pearlie Austin McFarling. He married Bonnie Mae Brown on March 21, 1943, in Denver. She was the love of his life and they enjoyed 71 years of marriage. They have six children, two daughters and four sons. Floyd graduated from North High School in Denver in 1940 and completed a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1944 at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He was a member of ASME and was a Registered Professional Engineer. His early career included working for Lockheed Air Co. in Long Beach, California, and for Gates Rubber Co. and the Bureau of Reclamation in Colorado. In 1952 he moved his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and began his 31-year career at Sandia Laboratories, where he primarily worked on government aerospace contracts. During World War II, Floyd served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After Basic Training he was selected to go to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, to instruct enlisted men in aerial photo topography. He received his honorable discharge from that location. Floyd was a talented vocalist, singing baritone, bass, and sometimes second tenor. His love of the church and its music dominated his life. He was a bi-vocational Minister of Music for 47 years serving at Grace Baptist Church in Denver for five years and at Crestview Baptist Church in Albuquerque for 42 years. All six of Mac and Bonnie's children have also been music directors in their own churches, and two currently serve in that capacity. After Mac retired from his Music Minister position at Crestview, he and Bonnie joined Del Norte Baptist Church in Albuquerque. He was a faithful choir member at Del Norte right up to his death. He was also a member of the New Mexico Singing Churchmen for just short of 30 years. Floyd was a deacon at all three of the churches and was a Senior Adult Sunday School teacher through 2013. He and Bonnie both worked in the church library at Del Norte for eight years. Floyd was an active member of Gideons International from 1969 until his death. Floyd went home to meet his Lord and Saviour on June 19, 2014, in Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Richard Pearlie McFarling, Russell Amos McFarling, and Clarence LaMont McFarling; one sister Rosabelle Irene McFarling; a daughter-in-law, Julia Elizabeth McFarling; and two granddaughters, Meghan Teresa McFarling-Dougherty and Tamara Lyn Gallegos. Floyd is survived by his loving wife Bonnie and all six children and their spouses: Karen A. Walmsley (Tom) of Edgewood, NM, Dr. Barbara L. Williams (Carl) of Comanche, TX, Russell W. McFarling (Mary) of Idaho Falls, ID, Dr. Harold K. McFarling (Dawn) of Farmington, NM, Rev. Dennis B. McFarling (Janet) of El Paso, TX, and Gerald A. McFarling (Leslie) of Greeley, CO. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 16 spouses; 20 great-grandchildren; and 15 nieces and nephews and their families. Friends may visit Thursday June, 26, 2014 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at FRENCH-Wyoming. Services will be held Friday June 27, 2014 at 10:00 am at Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM. Interment will be at Sandia Memorial Gardens in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Building fund of Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87109 or to Gideons International at Gideons.org and select "Gideons Cards". Please visit our online guestbook for Mac at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400

Obituary for LEHMANN

$
0
0
LEHMANN, MARY ANN JOSEPH Mary Ann was born on June 16, 1924 in Trier, Germany. She left Germany for England one month prior to the outbreak of WWII on the last children's transport. After one and half years in England, she emigrated to the U.S. via Canada. She was reunited with her brothers in Portland, OR and later that year they were joined by her parents and grandmother, who managed to escape camps in France. In 1943, she met Kurt Lehmann and they were married in 1948. She lost her husband of 65 years in November 2013. Mary Ann graduated from the University of Washington in 1947 and began a career as a social worker for the Department of Social and Health Services, first in Portland and later in Seattle and Tacoma, WA. After retirement in 1982, she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for many years. In 2001, Mary Ann and Kurt moved to Albuquerque to be near their daughters. They enjoyed doing many things together including travel, golf, bridge, reading, Newcomer's activities, and obedience training with their Border Terrier Leona. They traveled with Leona to many shows in New Mexico and to a few out of state, including the AKC National Obedience Invitational in Long Beach in 2007, where she and Leona took top Border Terrier. She was a member of Congregation Albert. Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Jan Lehmann-Shaw and son-in-law, John Shaw of Albuquerque; daughter, Carolyn Lehmann of Denver; grandchildren, Kathryn Shaw of Colorado Springs, CO, Douglas Shaw of Crested Butte, CO, Bryan Epstein of Tel Aviv and Derek Epstein of Irvine, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico or Congregation Albert. Private graveside services will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. Please visit the online guestbook for Mary Ann at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500

Obituary for JOHNSON

$
0
0
JOHNSON, KEITH D. Age 64, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2014. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192

Obituary for HETES

$
0
0
HETES, HELGA E. Oh how I wish I was fifty years old, my life would be trimmed in gold. I'd still be living with my wife, I'd still be having a wonderful life. I'd be able to look her in the eye and wonder how come I'm the lucky guy? I only know what God gave to me, a gray eyed woman full of beauty. With me she stayed through thick and thin saying - to do it over I'm ready to begin. To go through life with you once more. Wow! What a dream, just open that door. I too think of such as do you my love, but alas babe, it can't be for you are now in heaven above. You were given to me as a great gift, my serious demeanor and dour heart to uplift. When I remember the times we had I look upon them and my heart is glad and I'm pulled up from my sad loneliness. You my sweet Helga will I forever bless. Yes, I have known one of God's best and I will love you until I'm laid to rest. By your side once more I will hold your hand eternally through ages measured by the shifting sands. Happy Birthday Helgalein! Ron and Family

Obituary for HERRERA

$
0
0
HERRERA, CHRISTINA G. our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, and sister was called home to our Heavenly Father at the age of 78, on Friday, June 20, 2014. She was born on May 16, 1936 to Miguel and Teresa Guzman of Thoreau, NM. She will be remembered for her love of "people watching." She, also loved to travel and go for long drives. Ms. Herrera was always laughing and loved to make people smile and feel good about themselves. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Luis Perez; son, Vincent Herrera; and brother, "Cuco" Guzman. She is survived by her daughter, Liz Winnett and her husband, Michael, of Stanwood, WA; grandchildren, Ramona Chavez and her husband, Edward, Leonora Prudencio and her husband, Phillip, Christina Bowen and her partner, Lisa Sanchez, Shannon Ortega and husband, Gilbert, and Mindy Prudencio and husband, Jonathon; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Miranda Griego, Larissa and Alicia Chavez, Joshua Valverde, Phillip Prudencio, Christopher, Michael and Brianna Bowen, Jacob Oliver, Andreas, Alesia, Sheya and Gilbert Ortega, Jr., Xavier Enriquez, Jonathon and Jeremy Prudencio; one great-granddaughter, Annaliya Griego and another great-grandchild on the way. She is, also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and other friends who will miss her very much.Viewing and Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM with the Rosary to be recited at 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2014. The Funeral Service will begin at Noon, also on Saturday, June 28, 2014. All services will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Strong-Thorne Chapel, 1100 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services Strong-Thorne Chapel 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800

Obituary for HARKINS

$
0
0
HARKINS, SAUNDRA K. passed away on June 19th. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Michael J. Harkins; son: Steven Brainard, daughter: Zeta Ligget and second daughter: Joanne Padilla Quintana; brother: Lawrence "Buddy" Price and wife Jo; grandchildren: Samantha, Arlen and Kelly; and several nieces and nephews. Saundra's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Wednesday, June 25 at 11:30 a.m. in the Reflection of Life Chapel (Washington and Cutler NE) followed by a Life Celebration Service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will also be on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. . Please visit Saundra's online guestbook at www.Reflectionoflife.com. REFLECTIONS Funerals & Life Celebrations 2400 Washington Street NE 884-5777

Obituary for HALASZ

$
0
0
HALASZ, VIRGINIA JUANITA In loving memory of Virginia Juanita (Nita) Halasz April 12, 1925 - July 1, 2013 Born in Big Sandy, Tennessee in a garage on Easter Sunday, Nita moved to Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 1 year. In Cleveland she met her husband of 68 years, John Halasz, who proceeded her in death on February 17, 2011. They moved to Albuquerque in 1958 where they raised two daughters. Nita was an avid golfer and played a pivotal part in women's golf in Albuquerque. When Arroyo Del Oso golf course opened in 1965 Nita founded the women's league. Nita won several State Seniors golf championships. Nita's family will be in town this weekend to celebrate her love of golf and play her beloved Arroyo Del Oso golf course one last time. Nita is survived by her daughters Debi Wendt, Melonie Cook and her husband Russell; three grandchildren, Jennifer Gates Cooper and husband Clarke Cooper, Joseph Gates and partner Jay Villa, and Michael Wendt and his wife Jody Wendt.

Obituary for GLOECKNER

$
0
0
GLOECKNER, RUTH ELIZABETH Ruth Elizabeth Gloeckner left the limitations of her body early on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Born on March 2, 1942 in Canton, OH, she earned a BA in Biology from Malone University in Canton, and later served in the peacetime US Army, from 1976 until her honrable discharge in 1979. She then earned an MA in Counseling from Ball State University, Muncie, IN in 1979. At that time she relocated to Albuquerque, and pursued a career as a Medical Technologist for many years at the Veterans Administration Hospital here. Her enjoyment of retirement was interrupted by a stroke in 2006; its complications eventually took her life. Ruth was a lifelong learner and explorer, enrolling in an extensive series of classes on subjects ranging from flint-knapping to herbal medicine, and prior to her illness enjoyed excursions with groups from the Senior Center. She surrounded herself with beautiful things and beloved dogs and cats, as well as a vibrant community of friends. Ruth loved good food, "B" movies, laughter, and drumming. She was a founding member of Sage Temple. Ruth is survived by the many friends who have been touched by her warmth and love. All are invited to a potluck memorial celebration on Sunday, June 22, 4:00 PM at the Albuquerque Center for Spiritual Living, 2801 Louisiana NE. In honor of her volunteer work there, donations may be made to Animal Humane New Mexico, 615 Virginia SE, Albuquerque NM 87108-4228.

Obituary for GARCIA

$
0
0
GARCIA, JOE J. After a long illness, our Lord called Joe home on June 19th. He was born 3-19-48 in Presidio, TX. He retired from UPS after 30 years of devoted service. He enjoyed dancing, going to the casino, being with family and friends and giving everybody nicknames. He is survived by his mother, Ester Garcia, his wife, Theresa Garcia, his three daughters -Kristine Garcia, Irene Garcia and husband Matt Oetzel and Jo Ann Garcia, two stepsons, Alex and Isaac Romero; seven grandchildren, Jamie, Samantha, Olivia, Jaycob, Julian, Elena and Marisol & three great-grandchildren, Elijah, Lucas and Abigail, his sisters, Linda Sedillo and Maria Naranjo and husband Robert and brother Steve Garcia and wife Rebecca. He is preceded in death by his father Teodoro Garcia and brother Juan Garcia. A rosary will be held at Holy Rosary Church on Tuesday, June 24th at 7pm with a viewing starting at 6pm. The funeral mass will also be at Holy Rosary on Wednesday, June 25th at 9am with a reception at Rosario Hall following the internment at Sunset Memorial Park. Joe was a very loving, generous and caring son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Obituary for GALLEGOS-BRAWLEY

$
0
0
GALLEGOS-BRAWLEY, JOYE LYNN Age 56, departed this life on Monday, June 16, 2014, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joye was born on August 28, 1957 in Socorro, New Mexico. She is survived by proud and loving parents RosaLee Gallegos and Augustine Gallegos, and his wife Leyla, all of Socorro, New Mexico. She wed her lifelong love Alan Brawley on April 23, 1984. He survives her and resides at their family home in Lemitar, New Mexico. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Delaney Baca of Socorro, New Mexico and Lilli Craddock, of Tyler, Texas. They will forever celebrate and honor her memory. Joye especially counted among her loved ones, sons-in-law, Abie Baca, III of Socorro and Cameron Craddock of Tyler, Texas. We would like to especially note that one of Joye's greatest honors in life was being the world's proudest Granny to Audrianna Rose Baca. She is survived by her first friend and cherished sister, Judy Giron and her husband, Ron, both of Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is also survived by her nephew, Paul Bustamante, of Las Cruces, New Mexico who was dear to her heart. Joye was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, mother -in-law, niece, aunt, cousin. She will be greatly missed and celebrated by all. She was blessed with gifts too numerous to list but among them were beauty, intelligence, humor, strength, patience, loyalty and a servant's heart. Also among virtues was courage and this was evident at an early age. As a child she fancied herself a bull rider and once beat out four boys at the Socorro County Fair to win a prized belt buckle. Joye was an animal lover and was especially fond of her pets. She was an avid reader and appreciated the simple beauty in things, such as flowers, music and a good laugh with a friend. Joye was a woman of strong faith a genuine light in this world. She had a special fondness for hummingbirds and similar to them she was here just long enough to show us something wonderful to marvel at before she soared away to Heaven. It gives her family peace and strength knowing she is there. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 23rd, at the Institute of Mining and Technology, Macey Center in the Upper Balcony Room. Father Santillanes will officiate. A reception will follow at the Eagles, Socorro, New Mexico. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Joye Lynn Gallegos-Brawley.

Obituary for GALLEGOS

$
0
0
GALLEGOS, CHRISTIAN Age 27, passed away suddenly on June 9, 2014. She is survived by partner, Jessica Martinez; her mother, Berlinda Gallegos; her father, Gilbert Martinez; siblings, Stephanie Garcia, Matthew Garcia (Bianca), Santos Garcia (Monique); grandmothers, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014, 12:00 noon at FRENCH - Lomas. Please visit the online guestbook for Christian at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500

Obituary for FULENWIDER

$
0
0
FULENWIDER, JOYCE P. Age 94, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 20, 2014. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Joyce is survived by her children Gary Dempsey and wife Kathy, Kathy Gambrel and husband Wayne, and Vikki Blanco and husband Ralph; son-in-law Don Mowery; sister Virginia Smith; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Elmer and her daughter Jan Mowery. She was a wonderful Christian woman and prayer warrior who lived her life as a witness to all. Memorial Service will be Monday, June 23, 2014 at 6:00 pm at Mountain Valley Church, 5 Dinkle Road, Edgewood, NM 87015. Please visit the online guestbook for Joyce at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500

Obituary for FERNANDEZ

$
0
0
FERNANDEZ, VICENTE R. Chente, the following are a few words from mom, sis and I. On the fifth anniversary of your passing, we all wanted to share a few words with you. Mom says, "My precious Chente, not a day goes by that I don't pray for you and miss you. I know with every passing day I get closer to seeing you again and never having to say goodbye again. Your mommy longs to see you, but in the mean time, mi hijito, don't leave me alone and watch over me please. Rest in peace my precious baby boy." Sis says, Chente, "I'll never understand why God had to take you so suddenly. Everyday I wake up and pray it's a bad dream and then I walk passed your memorial picture and realize we will not sit around and laugh with you in this lifetime as a family again. The pain without you here with us is overwhelming and we all lose it often when we speak of you. I miss you and pray for your peace everyday." Finally, my words for you are simply that I love you, miss you everyday, do my best to take care of mom and pray that you know how hard it is to face everyday without you here. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you and know you'll never be forgotten. Chente, your family will always love and pray for you.

Obituary for FARBER

$
0
0
FARBER, FRANCES L. 1926-2014 Frances L. Farber, passed from her life here on earth on June 18, 2014, to join her late husband, Harry, in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Harry and Fran were married for 67 years. Fran was born on October 7, 1926 in Paducah, KY and began a life of challenges and adventures. As a military wife and devoted mother of three children, she shepherded her family as they were stationed on Air Force bases all around the world. She lived the fullness of life, with interest that ranged from tennis champion, avid reader, photographer and devoted Christian. Fran is survived by three children Howard Farber, Doug Farber and Cheryl McIlvain, the latter of whom provided loving care and support during the last years. She has one surviving brother Bud Freeman; six grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and many dear friends, both locally and around the world. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 10:30 am at Valley Lutheran Church with Rev. Ken Vogler officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am. She will be buried at Sante Fe National Cemetery beside her loving husband of 67 years. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505)864-4448, where an online guest register is available at www.noblinfuneralservice.com

Obituary for EIZNER

$
0
0
EIZNER, MARCELO MD Marcelo Roberto Eizner, MD age 54, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2014 in Denver, CO where he was receiving medical treatment. He was born on July 22, 1959 in Bernal Buenos Aires, Argentina. He graduated from the Medical College at Universidad de La Plata in Buenos Aires where he practiced gynecology and general medicine in Argentina. In 1992 he came to the United States to attend at the birth of his niece in California. Marcelo remained in the United States where he practiced Psychiatry in Albuquerque at Presbyterian Hospital and then privately until 2013. As part of the tennis and soccer communities he made many long time friends. He also loved to cycle and live life to the fullest. Marcelo embraced the local southwest cultures and especially cherished his Native American relationships. He emphasized sharing the "best" of what you had with others, and enjoyed sharing his wisdom and travel experiences with those around him. Friends and family will miss his genuine heart-felt conversations, wisdom, and quick-witted humor. His parents Sara and Elias Eizner of Buenos Aires; his brothers Eduardo and wife Carolyn Shearer, Damien and wife Viviana, and Fernando and wife Omaria; his dear nephew and nieces Emilio, Dana, Amanecer, Gala, and Nicole; and all whom he loved survive Marcelo. A memorial tennis tournament in Albuquerque is being planned.

Obituary for DWYER

$
0
0
DWYER, SHIRLEY JEAN DIETMEIER 5/6/1925 ~ 6/17/2014 Shirley J. Dietmeier was born on May 6, 1925 in Downer's Grove, Illinois to C. Richard Dietmeier & Verna Lena Garrison Dietmeier. Shirley had three brothers, Richard, (1917-2001), Joseph (1923-2007), and Robert (1928-2007). Shirley was the first girl in three generations on her father's side, and was a celebrated child on Saratoga Avenue. She was bright, cheerful, and active, and despite a heart murmur was a cheerleader in high school. Shirley was an independent young woman who convinced her parents that she should attend college. She embarked on the train to the University of New Mexico, where she joined Chi Omega sorority, her home during college. It was through the Greek fraternal community that she met her future husband, George William Dwyer, engineering major and member of the Sigma Chi fraternity; in 1945 Shirley was chosen as the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. Shirley and George married on October 22, 1946, and welcomed their first child, Leslie Ann, on George's 24th birthday in Downer's Grove in 1949. Leslie was followed by the births of Brian Richard in 1951, Linda Jean in 1953, and Jon William in 1956, all in Albuquerque, NM. Shirley was an enthusiastic mother, who emphasized nutrition and exercise long before it became popular. Her children grew accustomed to friends bewildered by her offers of wheat germ or fresh low-sugar treats and her exercising along with fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne's television program. She cultivated a garden of New Mexico State Fair prize winning roses. She was an expert seamstress, making gowns from Vogue patterns for important events. She was also a loving wife, and her children recall a happy parental couple who slow-danced in the kitchen. For years, Shirley and George and the children were content on Mossman Place in Albuquerque before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada for George to work at the Nevada Test Site. In 1969, Shirley returned to Albuquerque where she worked for the University of New Mexico until she retired. It was during these years that Shirley undertook a period of creativity, painting exquisite watercolors and crafting ceramic pots. Shirley was a docent at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, a volunteer for the Santa Fe Opera, a long time patron of the Albuquerque Little Theater, and an aficionado of musical productions. Shirley was also for many decades an active member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, NM. In addition to her four children, Shirley raised her grandson, Dustin Ammon (b. 1975) after his father, Brian Richard, died in 1983. Shirley moved from Albuquerque to Ft. Collins, CO in January, 2003. She settled into her new home at Ft. Collins Good Samaritan Retirement Village where she lived independently until July, 2011. Shirley enjoyed a rich and varied life at Good Samaritan. With her abiding smile and gregarious nature, Shirley made friends and sustained relationships throughout the community, where many of Shirley's friends became close to her family as well. Shirley enjoyed participating in the choir each Sunday and derived profound joy from singing the annual cantatas. She attended weekly history lectures and group discussions and for a time oversaw the community rose garden. Naturally, Shirley also provided menu and nutritional advice and attended exercise sessions as long as she was able. Shirley thrived in nursing care for three years, under the competent and loving attention of the Skilled Nursing care providers. She received the nurturing of Pathways Hospice during parts of that final season of her life. The quality and span of Shirley's life would not have been possible without the excellence of the staff of Good Samaritan, the devotion of the residents of Good Samaritan, and the competence of the team from Pathways Hospice. Shirley's family expresses their heartfelt and enduring appreciation to each and every one of them. Shirley will be remembered for her joie de vivre, love, faith, imagination, inventiveness, self-reliance, elegance, charm, vitality, and her decree that one should always seek the good in others. She will also be remembered for her optimistic and at times quixotic nuggets of wisdom. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents in 1971 and 1974, her son, Brian, in 1983, and her brothers in 2001 and 2007. She is survived by Leslie Dwyer and husband John Perzow of Ft. Collins, CO; Linda Potter and husband Cal Potter, III of Las Vegas, NV; Jon William Dwyer of Las Vegas, NV; and grandchildren Dustin Dwyer, of Albuquerque, NM; Allison Potter, of Santa Monica, CA; Cal Potter, IV and wife Jenna, of Las Vegas, NV; Bethany Potter, of Melbourne, AUS, and Sarah Perzow, of State College, PA. She also leaves behind nephews Jon Michael Dietmeier and wife Sara, of Las Vegas, NV, and Bill Dietmeier and wife Bonnie, of Northbrook, IL; and nieces P. J. Dietmeier of Corrales, NM, and Lisa Dietmeier Sill and husband Patrick Sill of Delray Beach, FL. A memorial service was held on Friday, June 20, 2014 at Fort Collins Good Samaritan Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.
Viewing all 6274 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images