Funeral Services for Joanna Megan Leza will be held on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Church on the Rock, 5300 2nd St. N.W. Interment will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Following the burial the family would like the family and friends of Joanna to please join them for refreshments at the Church of the Rock. Services are in the care of:
Garcia Mortuary
717 Stover Ave. S.W.
243-5222
Mr. Robert P. Lowe, age 90 and a resident of Albuquerque since 1965 died on Friday February 28, 2003 in a local hospital following an illness. Mr. Lowe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Wanda Lowe of Albuquerque; two daughters Joanne McCloseky and her husband, Paul Zolbrod of Albuquerque, Rhonda Lowe and her husband, Martin Wilson of Georgia; two sons, Arthur Lowe and his wife, Susan of Massachusetts, and Richard Lowe and his wife, Sandra of Eagle Nest, NM; seven grandchildren. Mr. Lowe was a Registered Engineer in the states of New Mexico, California, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. He was a member of the American Water Works Association, New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association, and was active in the Boys Scouts of America having receiver the Silver Beaver Award. A memorial service will be held Tuesday March 4, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. in St Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano Rd. NW with The Rev. W. C. B. Lowe officiating.
Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors
3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE
884-1188
Patricia Ann Lucero, 38, of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2003. She was born January 1, 1965 in Fort Belvoir, VA. Patricia graduated from The University of New Mexico in 1994 and was a Registered Nurse. Patricia is survived by her two precious children, Emerald Lace Lucero, 19, and Jeffrey Ryan Osborne, 13. Patricia leaves two brothers, Anthony Lance Lucero, 44, of Rio Rancho, NM, and Ernest Lyle Lucero, 43, of Bentonville, AR; and one sister, Deborah Louise Johnson, 40, of Rio Rancho, NM. Patricia is survived by her mother, Barbara Grace Poling Lucero of Los Lunas, NM and was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Lucero, and one brother, Kenneth Lee Lucero. Patricia leaves four nieces and four nephews. Patricia was a beautiful woman, a loving mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She was always caring and went out of her way to help others. Patricia's wonderful personality and humor brightened the days of those she loved and those who loved her. Her love for her children, Laci and Jeff, will remain in their hearts always. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Baptist Church in Albuquerque, NM. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Fairview Memorial Park. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home, 864-4448
William L. "Bill" Ritchey, 81, a 12-year resident of Belen and a former 40-year resident of Albuquerque, during his working years, died Friday, February 28, 2003. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Georgia; son, Ron; daughter-in-law, Gina; two grandchildren, Stephen and Necia of Reno, NV; sister-in-law, Dorothy Roache of Albuquerque; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Ritchey was born in Hale Center, Texas on August 12, 1921. He was a veteran of World War II serving as Lt. J.G. Officer in the Merchant Marines as a chief radio operator on several cargo ships. He retired in 1985 from WA-CO Heating, Air Conditioning and Sheet Metal. After retiring, he moved to Lake Heron for six years, built an addition to and remodeled a mountain home. He enjoyed fishing and the wonderful wildlife. Among his favorite activities were bow shooting in archery leagues and 50 plus years of bowling, which he most recently was a member of the Sexy Senior League at Belen's Sugar Bowl Lanes. He attended the Belen Methodist Church and was grateful for the support and many prayers offered on his behalf. Services will be held Tuesday, 1:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, with Rev. Jay Armstrong officiating. Entombment will follow at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Monday from 4:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in his memory to the First United Methodist Church, New Building Fund, P.O. Box 536, Belen, NM 87002.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd. NE
843-6333
A final visitation for Mrs. Clara Sanchez will be Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00am by Father Daniel Balizan. Interment of the cremains will follow at the San Jose de Armijo Cemetery. Arrangements by:
Gabaldon Mortuary
1000 Old Coors Rd SW
243-7861
Patricia Delgado, 71, of Santa Fe died on Friday after a courageous battle with cancer. Lina was born in Borica, NM on July 17, 1931. She attended Santa Rosa High School, then went on to graduate from college at Highlands University in 1954. She married Frank G. Trujillo in Santa Rosa, NM on June 2, 1956. Lina was a teacher with the Santa Fe Public Schools of 36 years. During that time she taught at Gonzales Elementary and Salazar Elementary schools. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents, Rudolfo and Ignacita Delgado; brothers, Orlando, Rudolfo Jr, Cirilio; sisters, Bertha Delgado Fisher and Consuelo Delgado Baca. Mrs. Trujillo was survived by her son, Stephen F. Trujillo and wife, Kathleen of Seattle, WA; daughters, Geralyn J. Trujillo of New York, NY, Victoria Trujillo Graham and husband, Peter; granddaughters, Kristin Graham and Marisa Graham; brother, Lorenzo Delgado and wife, Celina of Edgewood, NM; sisters, Sister Martha Delgado of Amarillo, TX, Carmen Stefan and husband, Lonnie of Moriarty, NM, Angelina Via and husband, Benito of Santa Rosa, NM; sisters-in-law, Josie Delgado of Santa Rosa, NM, Mercedes Delgado of San Isidro, NM; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins. A Rosary will be recited at Santa Maria De La Paz tonight at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Cathedral on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. with the interment following at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Lina was an extremely dedicated teacher, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Susan B. Koeman Foundation, the Carmelite Monastery, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Services, 1399 Luisa St., Santa Fe, NM (505) 984-8600
Henry J. Viviani, 77, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, died Sunday, March 1, 2003. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Edna M. Viviani of the family home; daughter, Diana Barasch and husband, Guy of Albuquerque; sons, Tom Viviani and wife, Claire of Los Lunas and Richard Viviani of Albuquerque; six grandchildren, J. Michael Barasch of Durham, NC, Suzanne Barasch of Raleigh, NC, Sean Viviani of Albuquerque, Derek Viviani, Christina Viviani and Joseph Viviani, all of Los Lunas; brother, Paul Viviani of Albuquerque; and sister, Anna Machemehl and husband, Chuck of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aladino and Yolanda Viviani and son, Henry J. "Bud" Viviani, Jr. Mr. Viviani's family and friends were the utmost in his life. Henry served in the US Navy during WWII. He owned and operated Viviani Grocery Store, the Mint Bar and the Buckhorn Bar. Later, Henry a was state manager for National Distillers and became a sales manager for Richard Distributing Co. He retired in 1988. He was an avid sportsman and loved the mountains. Rosary will be recited Monday, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1818 Coal Place NE. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lovelace Hospice Program, 5403 Gibson Blvd. SE, Siesta Hills, Bldg. 1, 87108.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd. NE
843-6333
Ida Maxine Waldorf, age 83, a resident of Albuquerque for 54 years, died February 26, 2003. Survivors include daughter, Sally Waldorf Perea of Albuquerque; son, Franklin E. Waldorf of Midland, TX; grandchildren, Laura Leigh Waldorf and Ethan E. Waldorf. She is preceded in death by her husband, Herschel E. Waldorf in 1998. Ida was a member of the Desert Hills Baptist Church and belonged to the Women of the Moose, Motor Maids Motorcycle Assoc, Retreads Motor Cycle Assoc serving as Director of NM and the S.W. Region, also the Foothill Extension Club., Ida was a totally unique woman, loving mother and wife and had many talents. Viewing and Visitation will be held from 1:00, 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2003 at Strong-Thorne Mortuary. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 in Fern Chapel of Strong-Thorne Mortuary with Pastor Kirk A. Wesselink officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park., In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casa Maria Alzheimer's Center 1024 Lead Ave. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 or Zia Hospice 4147 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Arrangements under the direction of:
Strong-Thorne Mortuary
1100 Coal Ave. SE
842-8800
Ray Edward Williams, September 12, 1921 to February 28, 2003. Ray Edward Williams was born September 12, 1921, and died Friday, February 28, 2003 at his home in Albuquerque. He is survived by his wife, Theda Maxine (Elmore); two sons, Stephen Earl Williams and his wife Karen Cachevki Williams of Laramie, Wyoming and John Zachary Williams and his wife Carol Anne Gauthier of Los Alamos; and three daughters, Theda Jean Williams and her partner, Eloyce Promenshenkel of Sandia Park, Evelyn Margaret Genta and her husband, John Genta of Ruidoso, and Bernice Carol Williams and her husband, Richard Reynolds of White Rock; seven grandchildren, John Fredrick Williams and wife, Bonnie, Eric Brandon Williams, Michael Evan Williams, Lori Marie Myers and her husband, Scott Myers, Stacey Christine Genta, Brian Daniel Williams and Sean Christopher Reynolds; and two great-grandchildren, Joseph Fredrick Williams and Lily Marie Williams. His parents and a brother preceded him in death. Ed was born in the small, Eastern Kansas town of Pittsburgh where his parents, Ray Ernest Williams and Edna Ann (Marks) Williams had recently moved from Lewiston, Idaho. Edward was raised in Kansas, spending many summers on the family apple orchard in Missouri. His life there alternated between farm, school and Kansas town life in Pittsburgh and later, Parsons. Ed had a strong interest in application of mathematics which ultimately translated into a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University in 1943. Almost immediately thereafter he accepted an ensign's commission in the U.S. Navy. He served first aboard the USS Shangri-La and then the USS Windom Bay seeing considerable action in the Pacific. During World War II, Ed's brother, John Marks Williams, who served as a pilot, died in the line-of-duty. After his honorable discharge, Ed took employment with Huber, Inc. in Borger in the Texas Panhandle. Here a coworker introduced him to her sister, Theda Maxine Elmore. He and Maxine were married, June 22, 1947. Edward returned to Kansas State University in 1949, receiving a Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1951. That same year, he accepted a position with Sandia Corporation and he and Maxine moved to Albuquerque together with two young children. Ed worked with Sandia until 1966 when he and his family, now five children, moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico. He worked there at Los Alamos National Laboratory until his retirement in 1987. He and Maxine then moved to Socorro, New Mexico, where he worked part-time with the Engineering Department of the New Mexico Technological Institute. In 1999, they returned to Albuquerque. Ed Williams, during his professional career, worked on numerous projects ranging from weapons development in Nevada, Operation Plowshare near Carlsbad, to the Sub terrain project at various locations including Fenton Hill in the Jemez Mountains. Even after retirement, his professional services were still in demand. Among other things, Edward had a talent and capacity for solving engineering problems. Ed and Maxine were members of Sombre del Monte Christian Church in Albuquerque, the Los Alamos United Church, and the First Presbyterian Church in Socorro, and most recently the Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque. Ed was also very active with the Lion's club of Socorro, and recently, the Four Hills Lion's Club of Albuquerque. Although Ed had numerous interests, his principle focus was his family. Maxine was the illumination of his life, and his three daughters, two sons, and more recently seven grandchildren and more recently still, two great-grandchildren have provided highlights. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always at ease with children, playing games, and reading with them as well as instructing and teaching through working with their hands in the workshop, home and field. Ray Edward Williams will be remembered for many works and accomplishments. However, he will be especially remembered for his direct manner, passion for his work and love of his fellow man. His candor at the bridge table was appreciated, his stories and tales (some of which may have been true) were loved, and all who knew him sought after his understanding and council. Ed had deep appreciation of things that were wild. For many years he was a regular at the Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge near Socorro, where he knew the birds as well as the human managers, all by name. On Friday, when he passed, his day started with shopping with his wife, and efforts to defragment the disc drive of his computer. In the early afternoon, Ed took a long walk by himself in the Bear Canyon Arroyo area that he knew so well. He returned home, kissed Maxine and began his normal afternoon nap, from which he never awoke.
French Mortuary
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
823-9400
Mrs. Isabel C. Alderete died Friday in Albuquerque at the age of 75. Mrs. Alderete was a member of the Auxiliary VFW #6216. she served a term as District 2 President. She was also a member of the DAV Chapter 3 and MOCA Auxiliary Pt. 18. Mrs. Alderete is survived by her ex-husband, Gilbert Alderete and wife, Frieda; sons, Mike Mirabal and wife, Jenny, Onecimo Mirabal Jr. and wife, Naomi, Paul Alderete and wife, Darlene and Gilbert Alderete Jr. and wife, Diana; daughters, Mary Ann Moreno and husband, Herman, Rosie Gutierrez and husband, Santos, Janet Candelaria and husband, Nick, Bennie Devine and husband, Carlos and Cecilia Alderete; sisters, Salas Alderete, Leonela Vargas, Carol Amado, and Cristine Mora and husband, Esmel; 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Memorial services for Mrs. Alderete will be held on Wednesday at the Holy Family Catholic Church where the Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Sunset Memorial Park. A Rosary for Mrs. Alderete will be recited on Tuesday evening, 7:00 p.m., at the Holy Family Church. Arrangements by the Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 3rd St. SW.
Emile Thomas "Tom" Briggs, 68, a resident of Albuquerque since 1959, died Sunday, March 7, 1999. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia of the family home; sons, Tom and wife, Diane of Las Vegas, NM, Tim, Jim and wife, Ginger, all of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Amanda, Alicia, Alexis, Shane, all of Las Vegas, NM and Wyatt of Albuquerque; and sisters, Anna Thornton and husband, Jack of Houston, TX, Edwina Becker of Glendive, MT and Shirley Lord of Ashford, CT. Tom was born on March 11, 1930 in Limestone, Maine. While growing up in Limestone, he found his love for the outdoors. In 1950, he joined the Air Force where he began pursuing his interest in photography. He married Sylvia Sirois on November 19, 1955. In 1959, the family moved to Albuquerque where he continued working for the civil service until retirement as a photographer in 1985. Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his wife, family and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed sports, hunting, coaching Little League, fishing, and visiting with the many friends he met along the way. Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 11, 1999, 10:30 a.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with Deacon Al McLane officiating. Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor's choice. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Raul Contreras, 61, a former resident of Ft. Worth and Dalhart, TX, and most recently of Albuquerque, died Wednesday, March 3, 1999. He is survived by his brothers, Roy Contreras and wife, Dorothy, of Dalhart, TX, and Louis Mendez and wife, Dorothy of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his sisters, Julia Contreras-Murray and husband, Scott, of Albuquerque, Vera Glasco of Vinita, OK, Lucille Springer, Irene Cook and husband, Richard, all of San Antonio, TX; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Raul was born and reared in Dalhart, TX. He received his Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, his Masters degree in Education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN; and he continued his studies toward a doctorate degree at the University of Texas in Austin. Following military service in the U.S. Army, he had a distinguished career as an administrator with the Fort Worth public schools. Upon retirement, he relocated to Albuquerque where he had been a regular participant in the local community, and was actively involved with St. Francis Episcopal Church. Memorial services will be held Thursday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2903 19th Avenue SE, Rio Rancho, with Father Walter Smith officiating. Memorial services will also take place Saturday, 10:00 a.m., at St. James Episcopal Church in Dalhart, TX, with Rev. Jerry Sneary, Rector officiating. Interment of cremains will take place at the family plot located in Dalhart's Memorial Park Cemetery, where he will rest next to his beloved mother, Josephine Houston; and sister, Caroline Contreras. Raul was a gentle and giving man, and he was loved by all who knew him. His presence is greatly missed here on earth, but he is warmly welcomed in Heaven by other family members and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Robert L. Ewing, 79, a resident of Albuquerque for 50 years, died Sunday, March 7, 1999. He is survived by his sons, Robert Ewing, Jr. and wife, Yolie of Superior, AZ, and Thomas Ewing and wife, Kathy, of Amarillo, TX; daughters, Flo Migliore and husband, Richie, of Albuquerque, and Joy Threlkeld and husband, Chuck, of Weatherford, TX; grandchildren, Danita, Eleana, Michael, Curtis and Mario; and great-grandchildren, Erinn, Erik and Evynn. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen in 1987. Mr. Ewing was in the Merchant Marines during WWII and was a retired mechanic. Cremation has taken place and private memorial services will be held. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Higinio Garcia, 88, a resident of Peralta, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 1999. He was preceded in death by one son, George Garcia; four brothers, Nestor, Pedro, Alberto, and Cicerico; and one sister, Emma. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Quirina Garcia of the family home in Peralta; four sons, Alex and wife, Marinia, Bennie and wife, Virginia, Vicente and wife, Lita, Abran and wife, Margaret; two daughters, Prescilla Garcia and husband, Dan Carpio, and Rosie Aragon and husband, Nick; daughter-in-law, Vivianita Garcia; one brother, Joe A. Garcia of Albuquerque; 23 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Higinio is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. There will be a prayer service on Monday evening, 7:00 p.m., at Romero Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., at Romero Funeral Home with burial to follow at the Peralta Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Vicente Garcia Jr., Freddie Garcia, Gene Garcia, Steven Garcia, Michael Garcia, and Mario Tapia. Honorary pallbearers will be Domonic Padilla, and Dario Tapia. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main, Belen, NM.
Maria E. Garcia, 49, a beloved mother, daughter and sister, was called home to be with the Lord, Saturday, March 6, 1999. Ms. Garcia was preceded in death by her father, Celedonio Sanchez; and two grandchildren, John and Liza Gonzales. She is survived by her loving children, Rickey Garcia, Melissa Gonzales and husband, Eddie, and Jessie Garcia; her mother, Virginia Sanchez; two sisters, Dora Garcia and husband, Estevan and Sally Jaramillo and husband, Ronnie; three brothers, Michael Sanchez, Wilfred Sanchez and wife, Barbara, and Steven Sanchez and wife, Nikki. She will be greatly missed by her loving family. A Memorial Rosary will be recited Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at San Antonio Catholic Church in San Antonio, NM. Memorial mass will be celebrated Thursday at 9:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment will follow at San Antonio Cemetery in San Antonio, NM. Services are under the direction of Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave. S.W.
Colonel Paul E. Gardiner, 80, a resident of Albuquerque for 30 years, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 1999, from complications of surgery after an illness. Colonel Gardiner, a WWII and Vietnam Veteran, retired from the Air Force in 1969. His commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, 7th Oak Leaf Cluster, and Purple Heart. His post military years kept him active in local government and a home business. He is survived by his three sons, Rande and wife, Judy of Bakersfield, CA, Mark, and Gary and daughter, Andrea, all of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Kimberly and Christopher Gardiner of Bakersfield, CA. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 12, 1999, 11:00 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM with Chaplain Lemuel Boyles (USAF) officiating. Colonel Gardiner will be buried with his wife, Marie Louise Gardiner, who preceded him in death in July, 1998. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas NE, Thursday, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
