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Lucy Salazar, a resident of Albuquerque, died on Sunday, October 8, 2006. She was born and raised in Taos, NM. Becoming involved in New Mexico politics was a natural step for Lucy, for her late husband, Robert Salazar, was National Committeeman for Young Republicans. He also served as Commissioner of Motor Vehicles under Governors Ed Mecham and David Cargo. When Congressman Manuel Lujan, Jr. started looking for an Administrative Assistant/Chief of Staff for his offices, he chose Lucy. When Manuel Lujan, Jr. was appointed Secretary of the Interior under George H. Bush, he called on Lucy once again, making her his Executive Assistant. She served in that position for four years. Lucy worked for Congressman Steve Schiff during the transition period following Congressman's retirement from Congress. Lucy has been a member and/or Board member of the National Federation of Republican Women for 20 years. In 1995 she served as co-chairman of the National Convention of NFRW, which was held in Albuquerque. She is presently a member of Metro FRW. Lucy was Chair, VIP and Protocol Committee, 1993 Western States Republican Leadership Conference. She was a member of the New Mexico State Central Committee and the Bernalillo County Central Committee. Lucy was a delegate to 2 National Conventions and an alternate delegate to 3 National Conventions. Lucy was a past member and Chair of the New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission. She also served as Chair of the National Judicial Conduct Organization. One of her favorite volunteer associations has been the Very Special Arts. She served as Chair of the Sponsor Committee, (1993) and has been a Board member for 20 years. This national organization promotes art, education and creative expression for children and adults with disabilities. She was given the honor of receiving the Volunteer of the Year in adult education (1995). In 2002, President George W. Bush, on a trip to Albuquerque, honored her for her work with persons with disabilities. Another special volunteer program that was close to her heart was the EVENSTART program, which is a family literacy program. She worked with this program for 4 years. Other activities that Lucy has been part of: Volunteering at the Palo Duro Senior Citizens Center, Board member of the Good Shepherd Manor Active member of the Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and served on many different committees: Member of the Catholic Daughter of America, Board member of the 100 Club, Board member of the Serra Club (an international club that fosters and promotes vocations to the ministerial priesthood of the Catholic Church) Former member of the Ambassadors Council to the College of Nursing at the UNM Health Sciences Center. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family. As one of her friends said, "Lucy has worked for so many organizations but every one always knew her to be the perfect lady at all times." She has made the world a better place by just being Lucy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Salazar and son, Bobby. She is survived by her children, Chuck and wife, Arlene and their children, Landree, Dalen and Troy; her daughter, Lisa and husband, Jerry Lujan and their children, Kelley and Jared; sisters, Stella and husband, Art Alires, Dolores and husband, Jimmy Salazar, Cecelia and husband, Ferdie Cortez, Lenore Armitage; and brother, Fernando (Sonny) Martinez and wife, Liz. There are numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a Rosary with Memorial Service will be held at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church on Friday, October 13, 2006 beginning at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Lucy with a memorial gift may consider her love of the "Very Special Arts" program. Contributions to this program can be sent to: Very Special Arts, 4904 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, Attention: Majorie.
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