Alene "Allie" Anderson, 87, a resident of Albuquerque since 1955, died Friday, May 31, 2002. She is survived by her son, Jerry Anderson of Las Cruces; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Anderson was preceded in death by her daughter, Deanne West; grandson, Douglas Anderson; great-grandson, Cameron Anderson; and her special angels, Paula Thomas and Wanda Pitts. She was Chief Radiology Technician at the Osteopathic Hospital for many years in Albuquerque. The family would like to thank all the family and friends who sent cards, flowers and visited during this difficult time. Cremation has taken place and no services will be held. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Amador Barela, age 72, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather was called home to be with the Lord our Savior, Thursday, May 30, 2002, while surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Barela was born in Tajque, NM and was a resident of Alameda; he retired from Rio Grande Steel. He was preceded in death by a son, Gilbert Barela in 2000. He is survived by his loving wife, of 52 years, Isabel Barela of the family home; four sons, Johnny Barela, Fidel Barela, Amador Barela and wife, Malinda, and Filomeno Barela and wife, Casandra; five daughters, Gloria Montano and husband, Paul, Katie Garcia, Jolanda Montano and husband, Raymond, Sandra Barela, Theresa Fay and husband, Robert; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Mr. Barela will be greatly missed by his loving family and by those who knew and loved him. Visitations will be held today from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Alameda Mortuary. A rosary will be recited this evening at 6:00 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. Final viewing will be Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in the Chapel of Alameda Mortuary. Funeral Services will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. Casket bearers will be Jasent Montano, Johnny Ray Barela, Dennis Barela, Andres Barela, Tommy Garcia, Anthony Montano and Robert Fay, Jr. Funeral Services are entrusted to Alameda Mortuary, 9420 4th Street NW.
Jeremy Wayne Boyd of Phoenix, AZ was called to Heaven on May 26, 2002. The kind and generous heart of this wonderful man guided him as he gave his life trying to save the life of another. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Amanda Pritchard Boyd. He is also survived by his father, James Boyd; his mother, Mary Hewett and stepfather, Kenneth all of New Mexico; his brother, Joshua Boyd and wife, Rachel of Texas; and his sister, Jennie Boyd of New Mexico. He is also survived by his grandparents, Florence Majewski, Betty Jo and Sumner Boyd. Jeremy was a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his cousins and uncles, Vic and Mike; and aunt, Pamela; his in-laws, John and Lilly Pritchard of Albuquerque; sisters-in-law, Melinda, Carolyn and Jeanette. The Services will be held Friday, May 31, 2002 10:00 a.m. at the Harris Hanlon Mortuary, Mountainair, NM.
Margaret Hayes Bryant, 59, passed away of a cancer-related stroke in Dallas on May 23, 2002. Margaret was a New Mexico native and longtime resident of Albuquerque. She attended Jefferson Junior High, Highland High, and New Mexico State, serving as a cheerleader at each school. After employment at Sandia Labs, Margaret moved to Dallas in the late '60s, worked at the University of Texas Medical Center, and met and married husband, Tim Bryant. There she began a family that became her pride and passion. The family includes two daughters, Debbie of Austin and Angela of San Diego, CA; a stepson, Curt; and stepdaughter, Cindy of Dallas; and two grandchildren, Jessica and Tyler of Dallas. Margaret was the consummate mother and friend to her immediate and extended family, and the Bryant home was the every-day meeting place for a stream of friends -- many gained through years as a soccer mom, school supporter, event organizer, and adviser. Besides her Texas family, brother, Walter Hines of Albuquerque survives Margaret. She also leaves many dear friends in Albuquerque who will miss her infectious wit, beauty, and fellowship. Mother, Ruth Parry Hayes Hines; father, Jimmy Hayes; brother James "Jimbo" Hines; and stepfather, Jerry Hines preceded her in death.
Services for Margaret were held at the Restland Memorial Chapel in Dallas on May 25, 2002. Interment will be at Restland Memorial Cemetery. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Henry Nelson BURT, (age 70), a resident of Albuquerque since 1982, died peacefully at Sandia Hospice Pavilion on Wednesday, May 29, 2002, after a long illness with bone marrow failure. Henry Nelson Burt was born July 6, 1931 to Barney A. and Margaret Porter Burt in Fredonia, KS. He attended schools in Woodland, CA and Fredonia, KS where he was active in track and basketball, and a member of the National Honor Society. He graduated from Fredonia High School in 1950 and became employed at J.C. Penney Company in Independence, KS. He attended Kansas University in Lawrence, KS. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 as a clerk typist and crypto technologist stationed in Fort Scott, KS, San Antonio, TX, Adak, AK and Colorado Springs, CO. He then attended the University of Northern Colorado (formerly Colorado State College) in Greeley, CO and earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Education. In 1959, he married Lucy (Montgomery) Burt in Belen, NM and they moved to Glenns Ferry, ID for their first teaching assignment. In 1960, they moved to Colorado Springs where he taught fifth grade in School District #11 for 20 years. He was a faithful and devoted husband, friend and lifelong companion, a dependable dad, and a wonderful, fun-loving grandfather who will be deeply missed. He was also an effective educator, a gentle Christian man with deep faith and devotion to His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He served with his wife as co-director and lay counselor of Lifeline Ministries since 1973, and he also served as a counselor in several Billy Graham Crusades. He was an avid golfer and an enthusiast of Glenn Miller and other Big Band music. He was formerly employed by Hosanna Ministries, Motorola, Security Federal and Savings, Bank of New Mexico, Evangel Christian Academy and Guardsmark Security. He is survived by his wife, Lucy; their son, David Burt and wife, Cindy of Albuquerque; their daughter, Laura Damigo and husband, Nick of Merced, CA; and five grandchildren, Jessica, Daniel, Andrew, Joshua and Katy Beth, all from Merced, CA. His church family includes many friends at Heights First Church Of The Nazarene. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca Jo; and by his father, Barney A. Burt. The Burt family is deeply grateful to Dr. Purdy and the staff at Hematology, Oncology Associates, all the nurses and staff on the 10th floor at St. Joseph Hospital and the caregivers at Sandia Hospice Pavilion. Services will be held Monday, June 3, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at Heights First Church Of The Nazarene, 8401 Paseo Del Norte NE, with Pastor John Griffin officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Sunday, June 2, 2002, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Calliope "Callie" Chamis, a resident of Belen, peacefully passed away in a Albuquerque hospital on Saturday, June 1, 2002. Services are pending. Please call Romero Funeral Home (505) 864-8501 for service times.
Franklin W. Fietsch Sr., 95, a resident of Albuquerque for six years and a former resident of Winnetka, IL, died Wednesday, May 29, 2002. He is survived by his son, Franklin W. Fietsch, Jr. and wife, Julie W. of Oakland, CA; daughters, Julie F. Jensen and Susan F. Erbe, both of Albuquerque; ten grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Heppes Fietsch in 1995. Mr. Fietsch attended Amherst College and graduated from the University of Illinois, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He was an avid golfer and curler, and a longtime member of the Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, IL. Mr. Fietsch was president of Colorprint Corporation in Chicago, IL for many years. He was a member of St. Chad Episcopal Church. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at 3:30 p.m., at St. Chad Episcopal Church, 7171 Tennyson Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM and a reception will follow at the church. Interment will take place at Church of St. James the Less in Northfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 3501 Campus Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
H.W. "Dub" Fischer, 74, a resident of Albuquerque since 1951, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2002. Mr. Fischer is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 46 years, Vonell Fischer; children, Duvonn Morrison and Chris Fischer and his wife, Laura of Long Beach; grandchildren, Phillip and Joshua Morrison; sisters, Mae Madison, Carol Benninghoff and husband, Keith, and Lorraine Williams of Tucson; and brother, Arnold Fischer and his wife, Bobbie. Dub worked as an automotive paint and body man for 40 years and was an enthusiast of music and fishing, and enjoyed building and flying model airplanes. Those of those who knew him will remember his sense of humor and his love of life and family. A viewing will be held for friends on Sunday June 2,2002 at Fitzgerald and Sons Mortuary from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Services will be held Monday June 3, 2002 11:00 a.m., at Fitzgerald and Sons Mortuary, 3113 Carlisle Blvd. N.E. officiating will be Rev. Larry Pierson. Pallbearers will be Bill Adkins, Ed Dunn, Blair Morison, Bob Heinsohn, Christopher Gibons, David Kleinfeld. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE.
Annie Ruth (Griffin) Garrett, age 40, a resident of Denver, Colorado and former resident of Albuquerque, died Wednesday, May 29, 2002. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Marie Griffin and is survived by her three sons, Oliver Garrett III, Gabriel Garrett and Jeremy Garrett all of Fairfield, California; her father, Curley C. Griffin and stepmother, Dorothy Clark, both of Albuquerque; six sisters, Curley Hall, Mary Williams, Dorothy Wilson, Margaret Griffin, Linda Patterson, and Curlette Griffin all of Albuquerque; three brothers, Paul Griffin and Nathan Griffin, both of Albuquerque and Shem Griffin of San Antonio, Texas; numerous other nieces, nephews, family and friends who loved and will miss her. Funeral Services will be held at the Stadium Boulevard Church of Christ, 420 Avenida Ceasar Chavez (Stadium) Blvd. SE, east of Broadway, on Friday, June 7, 2002 at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Curley Griffin officiating. Burial will follow at Pajarito Cemetery. Immediately following the burial, a reception will be held at 3008 Vermont NE., where all family and friends are welcome to attend. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. Albuq. 505-343-8008.
Erica Harvey, beloved daughter of Michael and Cynthia and cherished sister of Briana, died on May 27, 2002 while hiking in Nevada. She was born on a sunny afternoon, October 16, 1986 in Denver, CO. Her childhood there was spent charming butterflies in the backyard and picnicking in the Rocky Mountains where wild strawberries played hide-n-seek and, once found, were savored by this rosy cheeked child. Later in her childhood, Erica lived in Massachusetts where she discovered the joy of deep and lasting friendship. She caught fish with her bare hands and fell in love with the ocean. She got her first critter companion, a pure white Snowball kitty. Erica carried the ocean breezes with her when she moved to Phoenix. An agile athlete, she became an accomplished springboard diver and spent what seemed like every summer day splashing in the pool. Erica was a beautiful, brave, spirited girl who filled our lives with love, laughter, art, poetry and music. Her compassion knew no bounds, and she touched the lives of many souls who will never forget her kindness. Erica was generous with her time, her belongings and her heart and was eager to help any friend or stray animal who needed her. A talented artist, she filled up sketchbooks with portraits of her family, friends and pets. Erica was a student of the world, a devotee of the cosmic, and a gentle soul who found beauty and grace in rare places. She was an affectionate daughter, a loyal sister and a good friend. She is survived by her grandparents, Oren and Emily Clark, Sr., and Bill and Pat Harvey, her aunts and uncles, Sandra and Glenn Roberts, Stephanie and Don Roberts, Mark and Anita Harvey, Kerry Harvey, Cathy Harvey, and Matthew and Kathryn Harvey, many cousins, and her chosen sister, Kelly Leffler. Erica has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is with Uncle Oren, Buffy, Bobby, Pumpkin and Moonstone. The funeral will be held at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum, Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2002. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
William Franklin and Edith Avisa - Colonel (USAF, Ret) William F. and Mrs. Edith A. Hately, residents of Albuquerque for more than 32 years, died on Wednesday, 29 May 2002, and Monday, 27 May 2002, respectively. They are survived by their children, William W. Hately and wife, Jeanne, Robert R. Hately and wife, Susan, and Coral A. Koogler and husband, William; grandchildren Jessica L. Hately, William E. Hately, Theresa F. Hately, William F. Koogler, Janelle A. Koogler, P. Wade Hately, John R. Hately; and great-grandchild, Karis A. Hately. Colonel Hately is also survived by brother, Eugene Hately, and was preceded in death by parents, Dean and Bertha Hately, and sister, Barbara Griffith. Edith Hately is also survived by sister, Edna Utton and brother, Elvin Smith, and was preceded in death by parents, Orville and Avisa Smith, and brother, Wade Smith. Bill and Edith graduated from Aztec High School in 1940 and were married on December 5, 1942. After attending the University of New Mexico, Bill entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and was commissioned as a B-17 pilot, ultimately flying 28 combat missions in the European Theater before being downed over Germany and becoming a Prisoner of War. He served more than 27 distinguished years in the U.S. Air Force before going on to a second career with the U.S. Postal Service. Edith attended Chillicothe Business College and then devoted herself to her family and children. She worked later in life for both the U.S. Department of Defense and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. After retirement, Bill and Edith traveled extensively within the U.S. and Europe, enjoying many wonderful years with children, family and friends. Bill was a member of San Juan Masonic Lodge No. 25, and Edith was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 53 of Aztec, NM. Throughout life, they were devoted partners, loving parents and faithful friends. The couple will be interred together in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either The Hospice Memorial Foundation, 4725 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque 87110, or The American Lung Association of New Mexico, 216 Truman NE, Albuquerque 87108. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd NE.
Robert L. Hawkins,(USAF Ret.) 68, a resident of Albuquerque for 23 years, died Saturday, June 1, 2002. Mr. Hawkins is survived by his wife of 39 years, Elvie Hawkins of Albuquerque; son, Bob Wilkinson of Albuquerque; daughter, Barbara Ellis of Oklahoma City, OK; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Hawkins was preceded in death by his daughters, Crysta Lee Hawkins and Cinda Kim Hawkins. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas and proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and until his retirement in 1966. After his retirement he was an investigator for six years before becoming a homebuilder and real estate investor. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Cremation has taken place and memorial services are pending. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd., NE.
Zachariah Angel Herrera, infant son of Tasha Davita Herrera, died Thursday, May 30, 2002. He is survived by his sister, Rebecca; brother, Isaiah; and numerous other relatives. Graveside services will be held Monday, 1:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE, with Pastor David Romero. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Willis E. "Bill" Johnston, Jr., 87, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died Friday, May 31, 2002. He is survived by his daughter, Virginia L. Hawthorn and husband, Thomas L. of Roseville, CA; grandsons, Brian Keith Johnston and wife, Kathy and Tony Romero and wife, Pam; granddaughter, Trish 'Ginny' Peabody and husband, Woody; and seven great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mildred and son Willis E. 'Butch' Johnston, III. Mr. Johnston graduated from UNM in 1941. He served his country during WWII in the US Army. Mr. Johnston was an electrical engineer at Sandia National Labs for many years. Cremation has taken place and private family services will take place at a later date. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
Edward V. Krutis, 77, a resident of Albuquerque since 1987, passed away on May 28, 2002. He is survived by his brother, Herbert Krutis and wife, Katherine of Albuquerque; six nieces, Bonnie Harley, Susan Harmon, Amy Krutis, Karen Smith, Helen Murray and Cathy Hayes; one nephew, Herbert Krutis, Jr. Edward was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII in the Submarine Service. He was a graduate of Chicago Technical College and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Service will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (3 blocks North of Paseo Del Norte) with Deacon Bob Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Friends may visit French Mortuary Westside Chapel, on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Angelo Elias Maldonado, infant son of Elias (Lee) Maldonado and Rosie Manno, died Friday, May 31, 2002. Jesus said, 'Allow the little children to come unto me, and hinder them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.' And, he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Angelo is loved by his parents; maternal grandmother, Paula Montoya; paternal grandparents, Diane DeLeon and husband, John and Anthony Maldonado; great-grandfather, Joe Manno; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
L. Kathleen McCormick, 53, of Lakewood, Colorado passed away on May 23, 2002 in Denver. She is survived by her son, Nathan Millers of Boulder, Colorado; daughter, Cassandra P. Millers of Delray Beach, Florida; sister, Patricia (PJ) McCormick and significant other, Richard Ross of Albuquerque; several beloved animals; and numerous friends that loved her dearly. Preceding her in death were her mother, Arlie T. McCormick; father, L.J. McCormick; brother, Michael J. McCormick; and niece Michelle McCormick. Kathleen was a "SKY GODDESS", having started her career with the airlines in 1969 with TWA as a reservationist. She became a flight attendant with Frontier in 1972 and in 1986 began her employment with Continental Airlines. She truly enjoyed her profession and the people that she worked with. Christmas was Kathleen's favorite holiday and she was well known for her Christmas light display. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed needle work and doing crossword puzzles. Her generous spirit and love of life were an inspiration to all that knew her. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held in August in Colorado. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Maxfund 1025 Galapago Street, Denver, CO 80204 or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas, 75265-0309.
Tom O. Meeks, 93, a resident of Albuquerque since 1931, died Thursday, May 30, 2002. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn McCandless and husband, Dave of Tijeras; grandchildren, Jennifer Weiss and husband, Curtis of Tijeras, Todd Meeks and wife, Temple and Shane Meeks, all of Tuscon, AZ, Tom McCandless and Trudy Duval and husband, Paul, all of Albuquerque; great-grandchildren, Cameron Weiss, Kaitlyn Weiss, and Taylor Meeks; and sister, Kay Bisbee of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Meeks in 1990 and son, Robert Meeks in 1996. Mr. Meeks was born in Oklahoma and served in the United States Navy during WWII retiring as a Commander from the Naval Reserves. He then worked for the Soil Conservation Service as a Civil Engineer until his retirement in 1961. He was a member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, the Elks Club, VFW, Poets Club, and the Rio Grande Woodcarvers Association. He was a true dedicated fisherman right up to the very end. He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2002, 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 114 Carlisle Blvd. SE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 114 Carlisle Blvd. SE, 87106. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Ever Mae Morgan Passed away May 30, 2002 in Albuquerque. Services are pending and will be announced. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008.
Frances C. Perrin, 83, a resident of Albuquerque since 1930, died Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH). She is survived by her daughter, Winifred J. McClammy-Neiman and husband, Thomas of Bosque Farms, NM; son, Wilfred J. Perrin, Jr. of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Verlene Irene Perrin, Frances Marie Brown and husband, Laurence, and Kimberly Kay McClammy and Jon Kimbrough; great-grandchildren, Michael Everette Brown, Naakii Naats'iilid, and William A. McClammy-Kimbrough; sister, Mary Whitehorse of Aneth, UT and Natoni Deswood of Albuquerque; and nephew, Alexander Begay and wife, Lucinda of Fruitland, NM. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred J. Perrin, Sr. in 1960; sisters, Shelly Tsosie, Della Oliver, Annie Begay, Asdzaa Tsoi Deswood and Betty Cuddy Begay, and brothers, Sam Capitan,and Bruce Sam. Frances was born to the Tabaaha Clan and was born for the Kinlichii'nii Clan. Her mother's name was Tah'des'bah and her father's name was Sam Capitan. Her grandmother's name was Asdzaa Tabaahi and her grandfather's name was Bit'ahnii. Frances grew up in Aneth, UT and later moved to Albuquerque, where she finished high school and met her husband, Wilfred Perrin, Sr. Mrs. Perrin worked at the Bernalillo County Indian Hospital (now called UNMH) as a nurse's aide for a short time. She enjoyed playing bingo. We will miss her smile, her big strong firm hugs, and her companionship. Cremation has taken place and burial of cremains will take place in Aneth, UT.
William "Bill" D. Petty, age 48, of Glendale, AZ, died Saturday, May 25, 2002. Mr. Petty graduated from Los Alamos High school in 1971, served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1971 to 1974 he then received his Pharmaceutical degree from the University of NM in 1979. He was last employed at Safeway in Phoenix, AZ. He was also employed in the Los Alamos and White Rock area for many years before moving to Phoenix in 1990 and had recently been invited to become a professor at Glendale Community College. He is survived by his father: Roy Petty of Santa Fe; mother, Carol Showers of Albuquerque; stepfather: William Showers of Albuquerque; daughter, Melanie Romero of Santa Fe; son: Richard Petty of White Rock; sisters, Lee Ann Waterman and husband Ted of Albuquerque, Dea Renfro of Albuquerque and Sue Harper and husband Ron of Los Alamos; grandson, Richard Romero of Santa Fe; granddaughter: Meghan Romero of Santa Fe; son-in-law, Sean Romero of Santa Fe; five nieces and nephews and their families. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bill Petty Memorial fund at Los Alamos National Bank, account # 033839-20. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church in Los Alamos, NM. Interment will follow in Guaje Pines. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa Street, 984-8600.
Sister Mary Celestine Plotkowski, 1905-2002. "The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them..they are in peace.. ". Wisdom The soul of Sister Mary Celestine Plotkowski journed to its eternal peace on Thursday, May 30, 2002 while her sisters prayed at her bedside at the provincial house in Rio Rancho, NM. Baptized Cecilia, she was born to Anthony and Lousie Malkiewicz) Plotkowski on November 10, 1905, the fourth of six children. She lost her mother at the tender age of sixteen and a year later, on June 27, 1923, entered the Felician Sisters Convent in Milwaukee, WI. Sister Celestine graduated from High School in 1929, and spent the first nine years of ministry teaching grade school children in the Chicago area. The teaching ministry found her instructing multiple grades, concludng with grades 1,2,3, and 4 in her final two years. One of the original sisters of the Chicago province, chosen to enter nurses training, she received her RN diploma from St. Anthony of Padua Hospital, in 1937. In 1939 she received her bachelor of Science degree from DePaul University in Chicago and assumed the position fo the local superior, hospital administrator of the St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, IL, as well as full time nursing duties. From 1945 to 1950 she served as the provincial house infirmary administrator in Chicago. Mid-1950 found her in Cornng, Iowa making preparations for the opening of Rosary Hospital, where she served as the first administrator of that new facility from 1951 to 1953. In 1953, when the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province was formed and established in Ponca City, OK, Sister Celestine served as one of the first council members as well as infirmarian, director of aspirants and high school teacher. 1959 found sister back in hospital ministry in Okarche, OK. From 1962 to 1965 she served at Yorktown Memorial Hospital as RN, and at the end of that term returned to Corning, IA as administrator, superior and RN until 1971 when she once again returned to serve in Yorktown, TX. 1980 was sisters' final move in a long chain of ministry. Sister Celestine became the administrator of the infirmary in Rio Rancho, NM, at the provincial house. She held this position for two years and until her retirement from nursing in 1988, she continued in this ministry. For the remainder of her years, sister was engaged in household tasks and in prayer ministry. Sister Celestine was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Edward and Casmir and sisters, Vanda Eicharst, Albina Lewandowski, and Anna Pietras. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews in Illinois. Sister had a special place in her heart for nephews, Rev. Jerome Plotkowski who ministers in Albuquerque, and who was a faithful weekly visitor until her death, and Rev. Jack Plotkowski from Chicago. Wake services will be held at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary provincial house, 4210 Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho, on Monday, June 3, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at the provincial house on Tuesday, June 4, 2002 at 9:30 a.m. followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Sister Celestine will long be remembered for her kindness to all she encountered and helped along life's way. Her smile was always radiant and reflected the light within. Sister always had a special place in her heart for priests and her prayer for them was frequent. May the gift of peace surround her and our world. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, 892-9920.
Hazel Louise Riggs, known to family and friends as "Jackie" passed away in the morning hours of June 1st, 2002. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Pamela Wymer; her Aunt, Louise Steele; her sister, Peggy Peskuski and brother-in-law, Bob Peskuski; grandson, Jason Riggs; granddaughters, Jazelle Parsons, Amber Tiffin and April Wymer; great-granddaghter, Cailyn Parsons and daughter-in-law, Hazel Riggs. Jackie was born in Cadiz, Kentucky in 1923, and moved to New Mexico in 1951. She was a fiery red head with a wacked sense of humor. She loved to fish, and she could instantly pack her bags at the mere mention of a road trip. She loved New Mexico, but Kentucky was always her home. We will miss the stories told in her gentle Southern accent. We mourn her passing, but find comfort that she has now joined her father, Jack Roach, her husband, Orville "Bill" Riggs, and her loving son, Bill Riggs. Goodbye, Mama Jack. Graveside services for Ms. Riggs will be Tuesday, June 4, 2002, 10:00 a.m. at Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale SE with Chaplain Paul Gleason officiating. In lieu of flowers, we ask that charitable donations be made to Sandia Hospice at 4725 Indian School NE, 87110
Pete Schultheis, 54, a 16-year resident of Cedar Crest, died Monday, May 27, 2002. Cremation has taken place. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Karen Sue Stitzel of Albuquerque passed away May 28, 2002. Preceded in death by her father, Robert McFaddin; and brother, Scott McFaddin. Karen is survived by her daughter, Valerie Stitzel and fiancé, Kurt Mustamaa; former spouse, Paul Stitzel all of Albuquerque; mother, Mickey McFaddin; brother, Steve McFaddin and family all of Dayton, Ohio. May Karen be in peace with the Lord. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuq. 505-343-8008.
Carl A. Stromblad, 84, a resident of Albuquerque since 1958, died Wednesday, May 29, 2002. He is survived by his two older sisters and one brother, all of Sweden and a cousin in La Jolla, CA. Mr. Stromblad was born in Sweden. He was a veteran of WWII and a retired watchmaker. Private interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Margaret (Peggy) Sullivan died May 22, 2002 in Butte, MT surrounded by her loving family. Peggy had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in September 2001 and with Leukemia in January 2002. Peg was born to John and Ernestine (Lohrke) Darrington July 16, 1925 at Nihill, MT. Services were held on Friday, May 24, 2002 in Butte, MT at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte, MT. Memorials are suggested to the Butte Catholic Community North, Our Lady of the Rockies or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
