UTHE
Juanita Alma Marple Uthe, 86, died May 20, 2002, in Denver, Colo. Wife of Curtis L. Uthe (deceased). Survived by Evelyn L. Uthe, daughter, Denver, Colo.; James R. Weiss, nephew, Cleveland, Ohio; Gloria Breidenbach, niece, Baytown, Texas; one great-niece, four great-nephews and two great-great-nieces. A graveside service will be held at Vista Verde Memorial Park in Rio Rancho, N. M., June 29, 2002, at 2 p.m.
WHITAKER
William B. "Benny" Whitaker, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away at home on July 5, 2002. Benny was born on Jan. 5, 1915, to George W. and Esther Cozart Whitaker in Battleboro, N. C. He was a long time resident of New York prior to coming to Rio Rancho in 1976. Benny was proud to have served his country in the United States Army during World War II and earned several medals, including the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Medal of Good Conduct and the WWII Victory Medal. He retired from the Army Reserve after over 30 years of faithful service in 1974 as Sergeant First Class. He went on to retire from the New York Sanitation Department. He was very fond of and enjoyed working on automobiles and was an excellent mechanic. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 118. Benny was a very devoted husband and father and will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary, of Rio Rancho; his daughter, Patty, and husband John of Los Lunas; sisters Bessie, Frances, Edith, Ethel and Marie; brother Alvin; many nieces, nephews and a host of very special friends. Graveside services for Benny were held on Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors being provided. Services under the care of Sunrise Funeral Options, 2400 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho NM (505) 891-9192.
Angstadt
Daniel G. Angstadt III, age 48, passed away Jan. 29, 2005.
Flynn
Rita Ana Flynn, 37, a resident of Rio Rancho for the past eight years, passed away on Jan. 29, 2005. Rita was born July 22, 1967, the daughter of Toedolo Fuentes and Delia Benevidez Arellano in Rockledge, Fla.
Miller
Norma Jean Miller, 69, left our world on Jan. 28, 2005 at 6:30 a.m.
McCool
Betty Jo McCool passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 30, 2004. She was born on April 14, 1924, in Oklahoma to Luke and Josephine Cannon.
She was proud to have served during World War II in the WAC. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a medical transcriptionist in Roswell and Farmington. Betty was a long-time resident of Farmington, coming to Rio Rancho in 1996. She was very active at the Meadowlark Senior Center, playing guitar and singing, and spent many years entertaining others confined to nursing homes.
Betty was preceded in death by her sister Christine. She is survived by her husband, Richard J. McCool Sr.; three children, Richard J. McCool Jr., and his wife Vickie; Mark L. McCool, and his wife Sandy; and June K. McCool; a brother, John Cannon; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary (Sara Road at Meadowlark Lane) in Rio Rancho. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, 4310 Sara Road, Rio Rancho, (505-892-9920)
ROBINSON
Agnes M. Robinson, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on April 13, 2002. Agnes moved to Rio Rancho in 1996 from Chicago. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, Robbie, in 1972, sister Erlene Crouch and Brother Emmett Thorne in 1999, and her beloved mother, Erma Thorne, in 2000. She is survived by her brother Lawrence and wife Katherine Thorne of Detroit, Mich.; sister-in-law Helga Thorne of Rio Rancho; nephews Lawrence Thorne Jr. and wife Gloria of Texas, Steven Thorne of California, and Maurice Thorne of Chicago; niece Larisa Lowe and husband Michael of Matteson, Ill; great-nieces and nephews Laurice, Lloyd, Craig and Ayesha; the Walker family; and her dear friend Vera Bullock of North Carolina. Agnes is also survived by her precious dog Skipper. She was very special to many and will dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service for Agnes will be held on Friday, April 19, 2002, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Rio Rancho Funeral Home with Richard Austin as officiant. Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago at a later date. Services under the care of Rio Rancho Funeral Home, 2400 Southern Blvd., NM 87124 (505) 891-9192.
NEWTON
Marianne Kern Newton made her transition on Tuesday, March 26, 2002. She was born in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 21, 1928, and moved to Albuquerque in 1951. During World War II she worked as an entertainer with her parents for the USO, entertaining the troops stateside. Later, she was employed as a secretary at Sandia National Laboratories. She is survived by a son, David Kern, of Albuquerque. Her love for animals was a passion throughout her life, especially dogs. Those wishing to remember Marianne may so do by a contribution to Animal Humane Association, 615 Virginia SE, Albuquerque NM 87108. Cremation ahs taken place, and there will be no services. Cremation arrangements were by Sunrise Society, 891-8200.
MILLER
Jack Miller, a resident of Albuquerque for the past 23 years, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2002. Jack was born Sept. 12, 1913, the son of Sam and Helen Miller in Brooklyn, N. Y. He had been a foreman/manager in the steel manufacturing business before retiring. Jack was a member of the Knights of Phythias, Masonic Lodge and volunteered at S.C.O.R.E. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Helen. He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Moscowitz and husband Jeff of Rio Rancho, and Linda Kroll and husband Howard of New Providence, N. J.; three grandchildren, Elyse Kroll-Cumella and husband Michael of Manhattan, N. Y., Justin Kroll of San Francisco, Calif., and Harris Moskowitz of Albuquerque; and one great-grandchild, Christopher Cumella of Manhattan, N. Y. The service for Jack was held on Wednesday, March 27, in the chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, with Rabbi Joseph Black officiating. Interment followed at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Jeff Moskowitz, Justin Kroll and Harris Moskowitz. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho 892-9920.
LUNDBERG
Calvin Eugene "Cal" Lundberg, 73, died on Monday, July 8, 2002, at his home in Rio Rancho, N.M. He was born in Aberdeen, S. D., to Charles and Hazel Knight Lundberg, who preceded him in death. On Aug. 20, 1949, Cal married Elaine DeVries in Minneapolis, Minn. He worked as a police officer in Edina, Minn., for 18 years and lived in Minneapolis, Minn., before retiring and moving to Rio Rancho nine years ago. Cal suffered from several illnesses, including cancer, but remained active in numerous groups and continued to assist people as he did before retirement. He was active in CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), the New Mexico Long-Term Care State Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program, and Mediation Services of New Mexico Conflict Resolution. As an active member of First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, he taught adult Bible classes. He was preceded in death by a son, Dan, who was diagnosed with bone cancer at a young age and endured the removal of his arm and chemotherapy before he died. When Cal was faced with the diagnosis of cancer, he remembered how courageous his son had been and related that Dan had taught him "how to live through cancer, enjoy life, be happy and most importantly, how to have a sense of humor." He continued helping other people and stayed positive about the future. Cal is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Elaine Lundberg; a son, Charles Lundberg and wife, Kathy of Roseville, Minn.; a daughter, Jean Mejia and Steve Nelson of Bailey, Colo.; an "adopted sister," Kate Floria; and two brothers, Harold Lundberg and wife, Maryann, of North Easton, Mass., and Ralph Lundberg and wife, Mary, of San Diego, Calif. Also surviving are six gorgeous grandchildren, Danny, Charlie, Emily and Ashley Lundberg, Briana Mejia and Dan Nelson; and numerous aunts, uncles and a host of loving friends. Memorial services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2002, at First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, 3906 19th Ave., with Pastor Si Budagher officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be Peter Celum, Kurt Voiles, Chuck Cunningham, Steve Margulin, Allen Goodrich, Gary McDaniel, Dan Bravine, and R.D. White. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, Building Fund, 3906 19th Ave., Rio Rancho NM 87124. Arrangements by Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, 821-0010.
WHITAKER
William B. "Benny" Whitaker, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away at home on July 5, 2002. Benny was born on Jan. 5, 1915, to George W. and Esther Cozart Whitaker in Battleboro, N. C. He was a long time resident of New York prior to coming to Rio Rancho in 1976. Benny was proud to have served his country in the United States Army during World War II and earned several medals, including the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Medal of Good Conduct and the WWII Victory Medal. He retired from the Army Reserve after over 30 years of faithful service in 1974 as Sergeant First Class. He went on to retire from the New York Sanitation Department. He was very fond of and enjoyed working on automobiles and was an excellent mechanic. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 118. Benny was a very devoted husband and father and will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary, of Rio Rancho; his daughter, Patty, and husband John of Los Lunas; sisters Bessie, Frances, Edith, Ethel and Marie; brother Alvin; many nieces, nephews and a host of very special friends. Graveside services for Benny were held on Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors being provided. Services under the care of Sunrise Funeral Options, 2400 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho NM (505) 891-9192.
NELSON
Kenneth E. Nelson, a 20-year resident of Rio Rancho, N. M., passed away on March 21, 2002. Ken was born on Aug. 19, 1916, to Earnest E. and Esther Johnson Nelson in Bay City, Mich. He attended Bay City Central High School and Bay City Junior College, earning an Associate of Science degree. He then married Marian Guillemette on July 13, 1940, in Bay City, Mich. In 1947 they moved to Midland, Mich., where they continued to raise his family. Prior to retirement, he was a metallurgical engineer for Dow Chemical Co. for over 40 years. During his 40 years with Dow, he was recognized with many awards and merits, including the AFS Award of Scientific Merit and was also a listed inventor of four patents for Dow Chemical Co. Ken is an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and is a member of the Eugene Teatum Council 6696 in Rio Rancho and a 4th Degree member of Pope John Paul I Assembly in Rio Rancho. He is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and the BPO Elks Lodge 2500. Ken was an avid golfer and enjoyed experiencing two hole-in-ones in his retirement years. He belonged to the "Rio Rancho Golf and Country Club and the Midland Country Club in Midland, Mich. He enjoyed cruising and traveling and had visited many places throughout the world. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Ken was preceded in death by his brother Howard. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marian of Rio Rancho, N. M.; his children, Kristin Jette and husband Ray of Santa Fe, N. M., Mark Nelson and wife Elena of Grover City, Calif., Gary Nelson of Lansing, Mich., James Nelson and wife Carol of Southport, N. C.; his brother Earl Nelson and wife Marie of High Point, N. C.; sister-in-law Bette Nelson of St. Charles, Ill.; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A visitation was held Monday, March 26, 2002, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Rio Rancho Funeral Home. The Knights of Columbus services were held at 6:30 p.m. with the rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Cremation will take place and a funeral Mass will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ken's name to Sandia Hospice Memorial Foundation, 4725 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque NM 87110. Services are under the care of Rio Rancho Funeral Home, 2400 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho N. M., (505) 891-9192.
CONNER
Walter E. Conner Jr. passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2002. He was born the son of Walter E. and Caroline Herb Conner in Bronx, N. Y. Walter honorably served in the U. S. Army through World War II and the Korean War as a Master Sergeant, E-8. After Army retirement, he worked for CPC International in New Jersey. He moved to New Mexico in 1979 and was a resident of Rio Rancho. Walter is survived by his daughters, Donna Gonzales, Tina Conner and husband Stan Goldman, Jeanne Drouillard and husband Steven; his seven grandchildren, Lisa and Dawn Gonzales, Justin and Ariel Goldman, Erik and Brigette Gavila and Nico Drouillard; sisters Mildred Foster, Doris Barnie and Jean Tierney. He will be missed by all, especially his former wife, Gun Conner, who remained his closest friend and confidante until the end. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service for Walter will be held at the Church of the Mediator in Bronx, N. Y., where his remains will reside. Services under the care of Rio Rancho Funeral Home, 2400 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho NM 87124 (505) 891-9192.
GRUBE
Mil C. Grube, age 75, passed away on May 10, 2002. Mil worked for N. Y. Metropolitan Life. She moved to Rio Rancho in 1968 with her family and raised three daughters. Mil possessed many creative talents. She loved to garden, read and spoil family and friends with her culinary treats. Mil delighted countless people with the decorated cakes she produced as owner of Corrales Center Bakery. Her cakes, thoughtfully designed and created, shone as expressions of her imaginative talent. Upon selling the bakery, Mil enjoyed working part-time at JCPenney. Mil is lovingly survived by her husband, Charles Grube; daughters and sons-in-law Lynne-Ann and Brent Johnson of Edgewood, N. M., Jeanne Cadley of Issaquah, Wash., and Suzanne Cadley (Goldstrom) and Mike Goldstrom, Lakewood, Colo.; granddaughters Lenora Lee Johnson and Claire Goldstrom; ex-husband and loving friend Russell Cadley; and brother Charles Chapman. She was preceded in death by her brothers Thomas and Andrew Chapman and her grandson Gabriel Goldstrom. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 20, at 3:30 p.m. at Vista Verde Memorial Park and Mortuary, Rio Rancho. Memorials suggested to Presbyterian Hospice or the American Heart Association.
GROSS
Eileen Janie Gross passed away unexpectedly Aug. 31, 2002. She was 72. She was born in Pageton, W. Va., to Arthur Gilbert Rose and Mary Elizabeth Mitchem Rose on Aug. 16, 1930. Ms. Gross was loved, and will be missed by her family and many, many friends. She has lived in San Rafael since 1958 with her husband, Floyd "Junior " Gross, who passed away in 1984. She has been a member of the Grants Church of Christ. She enjoyed working at Bluewater Elementary School's cafeteria, and she loved to travel and is now on the journey of her life. Ms. Gross is survived by one son, Wayne Gross and his wife, Laura, of Rio Rancho; one daughter, Dianna Woodard and her husband, Jim, of Roswell; six grandchildren, Jameson Woodard, Stacy Sneed and her husband, Coy, Tracy Metcalf and her husband, John, Michele Wood and her husband, Eric, Jenny Gross, and Patrick Gross; seven great-grandchildren, Kristen Woodard, Bethany Sneed, Lane Sneed, Victoria Woodard, Kayla-Summer Gross, Alex Wood, and Jayedon Wood. A visitation was held Tuesday 4 to 7 p.m. at Grants Mortuary Chapel. A funeral service was held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Grants Church of Christ with Joy Lea Brazell and Matthew Killough officiating. Burial followed at Grants Memorial Park. Pallbearers include John Carwile, Jameson Woodard, Patrick Gross, John Metcalf, Coy Sneed, Glenn Simpkins. Honorary pallbearers include Opal Rhodes, Annie Cantrell, Virginia Brown, Glenna Chavez, Ruth Simpkins, Margaret Padilla, Pauline Duck. Grants Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.
FOX
William "Bill" Fox, 70, a resident of Rio Rancho for 27 years, died on Sunday, April 7, 2002, after having heart complications. He is survived by his lovely wife of 38 years, Carmen Escacena Fox from Sevilla, Spain; James and Soledad Burchett, brother and sister-in-law; Pedro and Aurora Escacena, brother and sister-in-law; three nephews and one niece whom are Pedro, Macarena, Juan and Jose Escacena, all from Sevilla, Spain. Mr. Fox had no remaining direct family. He was originally from Marysville, Ohio. Mr. Fox was a veteran from the United States Air Force having retired after 26 years, which included service in Korea, Spain, Japan and Southeast Asia. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Rio Rancho on Thursday, April 18, 2002, at 10:30 am. Burial, with Air Force honors, will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services 2919 4th St. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008.
FANELLI
Joseph Michael Fanelli, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26, 2002. Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Grace Fanelli. Joe and Grace shared an undying life together, which will be an inspiration to family and friends forever. Joe is also survived by three daughters, Jo-Ann Hood, Lu-Ann Wulff and Dianne McKenna; six grandchildren, Joseph Hood, Brian Hood, Candice, Hailey, Jordan and Brooke McKenna; one great-granddaughter, Jillian Hood, and one on the way. He was preceded in death by one grandson, William Joseph Hood, age 10. Visitation will be held today, Friday, March 29, 2002, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. with the rosary being recited at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Sara Road at Meadowlark Lane, Rio Rancho. The funeral service will be Saturday, March 30, 2002, at 12 p.m. (noon) at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho 892-9920.
CARLE
Louise B. Carle, 68, a resident of Rio Rancho for the past 20 years, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2002. Louise was born June 18, 1933, the daughter of Antonio V. and Regina Gorganelli Battaglia in Waterbury, Conn. Louise was a registered nurse in the hospital healthcare industry until her retirement. She came to New Mexico from Englewood, N. J. She volunteered with Acantilado Vista by helping organize a Bible study. Louise was a member of the Grace Outreach Center Church. She was a devoted Christian, wife and mother. Louise is survived by her husband, Robert B. Carle of the family home; four children, Matthew Carle, Karen Leyba and husband Tom, Brenda Jones and husband Thomas, and Brian Carle, all of Rio Rancho; three sisters, Dora Lescarda of Watertown, Conn., Lucy Gardner of Wolcott, Conn., Rosemary LaMay of Waterbury, Conn., and one brother, Billy Battaglia of Waterbury, Conn. A visitation was held Tuesday, May 14, 2002, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Grace Outreach Church, 2900 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho, with the service on Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at 1 p.m. at the Grace Outreach Church with Pastor Kent Barnard officiating. Interment will follow in Vista Verde Memorial Park. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, 892-9920.
ANDERSON
Shirley Isadora Anderson, 94, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2002. Shirley first came to New Mexico in 1974 and then again in 1997. Shirley moved from New York City, where she lived most of her life. She was born April 8, 1907, the daughter of Sherman and Corine Palmer Jenkins in Charleston, S. C. During World War II, she worked at the Picatiney Arsenal in New Jersey. She worked for a jewelry manufacturer before retiring. Shirley was a charter member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ of Rio Rancho. Shirley is survived by one daughter, Juanita De Leon and husband Frederick of Rio Rancho; two grandchildren, Frederick De Leon Jr. and Marc De Leon; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Shirley will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2002, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 2701 The American Road SE, Rio Rancho, with the Rev. Jeannine E. Lamb officiating. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, 892-9920.
Pierson
Devoted wife, missionary
Cathy Pierson of California was killed in a multiple car accident on I-40 east of Albuquerque March 22, 2006. She was born in September 1957.
She had spent her life devoted to her husband and two sons. Cathy served her community through being an elder in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and she performed as a trained musician and taught piano and voice. In addition, she found much joy in foreign missions. She was killed along with her daughter-in-law Kandice and her unborn grandbaby girl, Katrina Lynn Pierson. Cathy is survived by her husband, Mark D. Pierson of Waterford, Calif.; sons, Mark D. Pierson II of St. Claire, Mich., and Luke Joseph Pierson of Marysville Mich.; sisters, Toni Wirkkala of Waterford, Calif., Lois Keller of Turlock, Calif. and Monica Barlow of Greeley Hill, Calif.; brother, Eugene Keller, Jr. of Paradise, Calif.; and parents, Eugene and Lucille M. Keller of Greeley Hill, Calif.; parents-in-law, David and Janice Pierson of Rio Rancho.
Services will be held in California. Arrangements under French Mortuary. (897-0300)
Mowry
A tiny Christmas angel, Holly Marquerite Mowry, was born Dec. 7, 2004, and died Dec. 26.
She was strong enough to leave the hospital to spend a couple of weeks and the holidays at home being held, rocked and loved by her surviving family; her adoring parents, Elizabeth Barnett and Curtis Mowry, and older sister, Gwendolyn Mowry, 2, all of Albuquerque; and grandparents Rolene Barnett, of Albuquerque, and Glenda and Calvin Mowry, of Rio Rancho.
A Memorial and Celebration of Holly's brief life will be held Friday, at 10 a.m, at St. Mark's On The Mesa Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to All Faiths Receiving Home, an intervention and treatment agency serving abused, neglected and traumatized children and their families, or to Cuidando Los Ninos, 1500 Walter St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, an agency providing therapeutic services for homeless children and their families. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary in Rio Rancho (892-9920)
Brown
Ray 'Daddy Ray' Brown, 77, a resident of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho since 1950, passed away on Dec. 13, 2004. Ray was born March 18, 1927, the son of Ray William and Mary Elizabeth Wagner Brown, in Greensboro, N.C.
He had been a teacher and music director before he retired. He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. Ray was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, with a B.A. degree in Education; took vocal training under the late Jane Snow at UNM. He received his master's degree in music and religious education from the Baptist Southwest Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. He is remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.
Ray is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary; four children, Pamela Rhea Scott, and her husband Ernest L., of Albuquerque; Mary Patrice Middleton of Albuquerque, Penny Lynn Brown of Rio Rancho and Paul Steven Brown of Rio Rancho; four grandchildren, Daniel Ray Youtsey, Monica Patrice Becerra, Teresa Mae Simmons, and her husband Marquez D.; and Matthew Thomas Bacerra; two great-granddaughters, Alexis Evelyn Youtsey and Savannah Alexis Romero; one brother, George William Brown, and his wife Velma, of Spartanburg, SC; one sister, Mary Helen Earnhardt, and her husband retired Brig. Gen. Harold; sister-in-law, Lucy Belle Stokes-Ma, and her husband Jonathan; brother-in-law, retired Lt. Col. Lee Edwin Stokes, and his wife Margaret; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A Memorial Service was held Dec. 17, in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary in Rio Rancho with Rev. Ernie Dunn, Rev. Mike Champoulion and Rev. Jeannine Lamb officiating. Military Honors were presented by the New Mexico Honor Guard. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary. (892-9920)
Zwijacz
Felician Sister Mary Amandette Zwijacz passed away at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Provincial House on Nov. 30, 2004. She was in her 69th year of religious life.
Born in Chicago on May 8, 1917, Mary was the daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Guzy) Zwijacz. Sister was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Andrew, Stanley and Walter Zwijacz. Mary entered the congregation of the Felician Sisters in Chicago on July 26, 1936, after completing her high school studies at Mother of Good Counsel High School, in Chicago. She received her bachelor of science degree in education in 1949 and her master's in mathematics in 1956. Sister spent the first 10 years in ministry, teaching in Chicago. In 1948 she was transferred to Pomona, Calif., where she taught grade school for three years. In 1951, she began her ministry at Pomona Catholic High School as a noted math teacher. In 1963, Sister was assigned as superior, principal and teacher at the high school. From 1966-70, Sister served as the Directress of Novices in Ponca City, Okla. In 1970, Sister was elected to the provincial council where she ministered until 1976. From 1971-72, she ministered at St. Rita's in Fort Worth, Texas, in addition to her other duties.
Upon completioning her internal ministry, Sister returned to the education ministry in Texas and later to California. From 1983-89, Sister served in the administration of the province as Provincial Vicar and as the Provincial Treasurer. Sister returned to education and minister at Holy Trinity, in Los Angeles, California, from 1989-91.
Failing eyesight brought Sister Amandette to Rio Rancho to work at St. Felix Pantry from 1991-94. In this new ministry, she shared her joy and generosity with the needy. Always a compassionate and humble person, she also served in food ministry and later as a 'Sister Companion' in the infirmary. In 2001, Sister accepted her role in full-time prayer ministry.
Sister had a strong devotion to the angels and to the Holy Trinity. These devotions were a source of daily strength to her and enabled her to remember constantly, the needs of the world in her prayer, especially her prayer for peace. A person with a logical and mathematical mind, Sister Amandette will be remembered for a life led by the heart, through which she forgave and gave the benefit of any doubt and always put others before herself. Her gentleness, in all she did and said, was among the many gifts she embodied during her lifetime.
Rosary services were held Dec. 3, in the Felician Sisters Chapel. Mass of the Resurrection was held Dec. 4 at the provincial house, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque.
Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, (892-9920)
