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Mary Athaleen Davidson, age 86, beloved Corrales resident, died peacefully in her home Thursday, March 24, 2005, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Mary Athaleen Russell, July 21, 1918, in the Town of Yellville, Arkansas, to the late Gerome Russell and Dulcie Love. Athaleen was the second born of six children. She graduated in 1933, at the age of 15, from Cotter High School in Cotter, Ark. After attending one year of college in Batesville, Ark, Athaleen began her career as a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell in Cotter, Ark. In 1941, Athaleen married, now-deceased Von Davidson, and subsequently moved with him to San Antonio, Texas where she continued her career with the phone company while her husband served in the US Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Athaleen and her husband moved to Albuquerque in 1951. She continued her work with the phone company here until 1956, when she and her husband moved to Corrales, where she raised, cared for and showed registered quarter horses, worked as a business manager for her husband's auto dealership and became an active member of the village through her voluntarism as a 4-H leader, as well as an advocate for the disadvantaged. Following her divorce in 1966, Athaleen began her new career as a claims processor for the State of New Mexico, Employment Security Commission. She grew quickly in this second career, and eventually became a lead claims analyst working at the Tiwa Building in Albuquerque. Athaleen retired from her service to the State of New Mexico in 1984. Athaleen continued her volunteerism to the village after her retirement, and served one term on the Corrales Planning and Zoning Commission. She remained continually involved in many civic functions related to helping improve the quality of life for all village residents. Athaleen is survived by her two sons, Rusty and Ron, his wife, Valerie; her three grandchildren, Sterling, Amanda and Shayna. She is further survived by her sister, Freda Lemon, Bella Vista, Ark.; her surrogate daughters, Kelly Shetter and Diane Martinez, the village of Corrales, and numerable other family and friends. A Memorial Celebration is planned to be held at the Corrales Community Center, of which further announcements will be made. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established in her name for the Corrales Park and Library. We would like to thank all of the staff of the New Mexico Hospice Organization for their help and support.
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