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GRAFF -- Joseph William Graff, was born September 19, 1970. Joe could charm the birds out of the trees and was sincerely loved by his family. He succumbed to an enemy from within on August 6, 2007, and will be sadly missed by all who loved him. Donations can be made to El Ranchito de los Ninos, P. O. Box 2400, Los Lunas, New Mexico 87031, a loving community dedicated to children who have known much undeserved trouble and sadness, to give them a chance for a normal and successful life. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

GUTIERREZ -- Filomeno Gutierrez, age 80, went to be with the Lord Thursday, August 9, 2007. He was born August 31, 1926 in Chilili, NM to Donacio and Juanita Gutierrez. Filomeno was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Rita Gutierrez and he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Cecilia Gutierrez; his daughter, Doris F. Vigil and husband, Ernest; two sons, H. Leo Gutierrez and wife, Sylvia and Filomeno Gutierrez Jr; his grandchildren, Jeremy Vigil, Ernest Vigil Jr. and wife, Jennifer, and Sara Gutierrez; two great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Jazmino Vigil; one sister, Teresita Gutierrez; one brother, Rosindo Gutierrez; other family members and friends who loved and will miss him. Filomeno is best remembered for his selfless devotion to his family and his faith. He was an outstanding husband, father and grandfather and he will be missed greatly. Services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, 4th and Mildred NW. A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery on Barton Road in Edgewood, NM. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW, ABQ. 505-343-8008
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

LASSMAN -- Shirley Ann Lassman passed away peacefully in her home in Tijeras, NM on August 7, 2007 surrounded by her loving family and husband of 65 years. She was born in Humboldt, KS in 1922 and married Gene Lassman in 1942. Shirley devoted her life to caring for her family and spending time with friends. She had a special place in her heart for all animals and especially enjoyed watching her hummingbirds. She is survived by her husband, three daughters and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and longtime friends. There will be a celebration of her life on September 22, 2007 in Tijeras. Donations can be made in her memory to Best Friends Animal Society. www.bestfriends
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

MARTINEZ -- Matthew Martinez, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2007. Matthew was a very loving person. He had a big heart and truly loved and cared for others. Matthew loved spending time with his son and his family. He also enjoyed the outdoors, camping, karaoke, playing video games, music and dancing. He is survived by his beloved son, Chase Martinez; father, Mark Martinez; mother, Star Thurman and husband, Jeff; two brothers, Aaron Martinez and wife, Melinda, Andy Martinez and wife, Tiffany; grandparents, Porky and Lorraine Martinez, David and Ellen Hayes; great-grandmother, Connie Sanchez; many many aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members and friends who loved and will miss him dearly. A Memorial Service will be held at the Central Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2201 Estancia Dr. NW, near Coors and Ouray NW, on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. A potluck meal will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. The family would like to thank all of Matthews's friends and co-workers from CA Systems Metal Fabrication and all of his other family members and friends, as well as the staff of University of New Mexico Hospital for their care and concern for Matthew. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW, ABQ. 505-343-8008
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

MASCARENAS -- Flor de Maria Mascarenas, age 70, a resident of Albuquerque since 1999, passed away from lung and brain cancer on Wednesday, August 8, 2007. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Arthur, who was born and raised in New Mexico; children, David and wife, Lesli, Dolores (Dolly), and Daniel from Southern California; grandchildren, Devon and wife, Sasha (who are expecting Flor's first great-grandchild), Dylan, and Breanna of Southern California. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Dolores and Isabel Mora; her brother, Felix Mora; and her nephews, Joseph and Benjamin Mora. She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Raymond and wife, Jandy Mora of Puerto Rico, Fini Widman of New Jersey, Gail and husband, Ed Cyzewski of Florida, Benjamin Mora of Puerto Rico, Daniel and wife, Maria Mora of Florida, Serafin Mora of Florida, Lydia and husband, John Callaghan of Florida, Rose Nieves of Pennsylvania; her twin, Dorcas Carrasquillo of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was born in Puerto Rico where she lived until 13 years of age; she then moved to Philadelphia, PA and remained there until age 26; she then moved to Southern California where she met her husband. They remained in California and raised their family until she retired from Los Angeles County as a Financial Control Supervisor in 1999 and moved to Albuquerque where she and her husband lived out the rest of her days. A Lutheran Memorial Service will be held at French Mortuary at 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE in Albuquerque on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. French Mortuary, Inc. 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

O'KEEFE -- John O'Keefe, 65, died Thursday, August 9, 2007. Mr. O'Keefe is survived by his son, Anders O'Keefe and wife, Erin Higgins O'Keefe of Erie, CO, and their two children, Annie and Kaden; his sister, Kathy Potter of San Jose, CA, and her two children, Christopher and Steven of Pittsburgh, PA; former wife and beloved friend, Joanna DeKeyser of Albuquerque; his devoted friends who were there for him in love and care for his last 14 months, Dick and Jill DesJardins; and the many friends he has made over the years. John was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Elzas O'Keefe, who passed away in 1991; his parents, John Vernon O'Keefe and Emmajean Cobb O'Keefe of Lone Pine, CA. John will be remembered for many wonderful qualities: His intelligence, compassion, outlandish wit, thought-provoking ideas, passion for tango, love of France and boxed Gallo, prowess as a badminton player, devotion to nature and hiking, contribution to the Albuquerque Chamber Soloists, love of Golden Trout Camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains which his family ran for 15 years, and his immense skills as an architect (for which he was named Architect of the Year by the state of Maine in 1975 and 1977). Those who would like to share their memories of John may do so on Saturday, August 11, 2007, 10:00 a.m., at the Wat Buddhasothorn Temple, 144 Madison NE, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Albuquerque Chamber Soloists at P.O. Box 92814, Albuquerque, NM 87199. John, you will not be forgotten by your family and many friends who have had the honor and challenge of knowing and loving you. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

RAMIREZ -- Esperanza Ramirez, 89, passed away on August 10, 2007. Arrangements are being entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-9192
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

RIFFENBURGH -- Arthur S. Riffenburgh, 78, a fighter for justice and exemplar of compassion, has gone on before us July 24, 2007. After previously surviving leukemia, his voice was stilled by throat cancer but our memories hold his words. Art was born in 1928 in Christiansburg, VA. After some travel he began his life in the west where he earned a B.A. in psychology at UNM, Albuquerque, in 1951. After college, Art answered what proved a lifelong concern about social injustice with a career in law enforcement, beginning with a 4 year service in the NM State Police. During these years he was stationed in various locations in New Mexico bringing along his new and growing family. This moving broadened Art's contact with and understanding of our richly tri-cultural peoples which served him well in the years to come. He directed his energies into the federal court system as a probation/parole officer in Albuquerque until he retired in 1978. This experience gave Art the intimate insight into our "corrections" establishment which guided his powerful contributions to the NM Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty of which he was an active and cherished member for many years. Art was also very concerned about the earth, especially all the creatures of the Arctic. His "citizen business" cards read: "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees. Live modestly. Forgo greed. Be compassionate." His humor, stories, and loving heart will be missed by all those he touched, cared about, and had faith in. The world is a better place for Art having been here with us! Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Ruth; his son, Harry; daughter, Donna Strebe and her husband, David; daughter, Audrey Riffenburgh; brother, Ralph and his wife, Angelyn; brother, Robert and his wife, Gerrye; and grandchildren, Daniel, Renata, and Hannah Strebe. A Memorial Service and reception will be held at Daniel's Funeral Home at 3113 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque (Ph: 884-1188) 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2007. A wake/dinner to celebrate his life will follow at Albuquerque Mennonite Church, 1300 Girard NE. Memorials be made to NM Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty, PO Box 8552, Santa Fe, NM, 87504 OR Northern Alaska Environmental Center, 830 College Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99701.
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

ROMERO -- Nora Romero, age 84, passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2008 in Albuquerque, NM following an extended illness. Nora Romero was born August 22, 1922 in Curevo, NM to Marcello and Beatrice Vlaverde Sr. She was a lifetime resident of Tucumcari NM. She moved to time in Dalhart, TX to raise her family and later returned to Tucumcari, NM in 1976 and was employed by the Western Drive In before retiring. She was a member of the St. Anne's Catholic Church and a member of the Christian's Mothers. Nora was know as Mom to close friends and family and enjoyed the family gatherings, music and cooking. She moved to Albuquerque, NM in 2005. Surviving Nora Romero is one daughter, Max Romero of Amarillo, TX; her two sons, Frank Romero, also of Amarillo, TX and Tommy Romero and wife, Kathy of Albuquerque, NM; her grandson, A.J. Crespin and wife, Michelle; and her grandaughter, Michelle Creapin; one great-grandson, Drew Crespin; her two sisters, Adele Garcia Felica Sena, both of Tucumcari, NM; her brother, Marcello Valverde Jr. and wife, Virgie of Tucumcari, NM. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcello and Beatrice Valverde; and by a brother, Pete Valverde Sr. The family would like to thank the staff and adopted family of Paloma Blanca Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving care of Nora. Rosary will be recited on Sunday Night, August 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Anne's Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be offered on Monday morning, August 13, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Anne's Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Leo Padget as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Tucumcari Memorial Park Cemetery.
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007

SANCHEZ -- Alice Sanchez passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family and friends on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 in Albuquerque at the age of 97. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church where the Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Arrangements by: Salazar & Sons Mortuary 400 Third St. SW 247-4124
        Published on: Sat August 11, 2007