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Betty M. (MCDowell) Piccinini, a resident of Socorro, NM since 1946, passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2007 in Belen, NM. She was born in Huntington, WV on June 19, 1925 to Thomas E. and Alvah (Walker) McDowell. In 1942, her family moved to Grand Rapids, MI where, after graduating from Central High School, she worked for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. When the family moved to El Paso, TX, she worked for the Banker's Life Insurance Company until her marriage on October 2, 1945 to Michael Piccinini of Albuquerque, NM. In January 1946, the couple moved to Socorro. Betty lived an active life managing the family's rental properties until they were sold in 1990. She was co-owner/manager with Mike of the Ben Franklin Variety Store on the Plaza until it closed in 1975. Betty was a deacon and long time member of the First Presbyterian Church. During her children's young years, she co-led a Cub Scout Troop with Ginnie Mendenhall and a Girl Scout Troop with Mary Lou Hudgins. Betty was a outdoors woman who loved the town and the landscape of the area. She and Mike enjoyed trail riding by horseback in the mountains of northern New Mexico and Colorado. Over the years, she cherished walking her faithful dalmatian and shelties. Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 55 1/2 years, Michael; sister, Dorothy M. Kuri; and brothers: Robert R. and Jack W. McDowell. She is survived by her son, William M. Piccinini and wife, Stella of Socorro; daughter, Debra D. Nelson and husband, Command Sergeant Major (ret.) Edwin B. Nelson Jr. of Fort Walton Beach, FL; and her brother, Thomas W. McDowell of Columbus, OH. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Socorro with Rev. John Gregg officiating. Donations in Betty Piccinini's memory can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 304 McCutcheon Av., Socorro, NM 87801 or the Humane Society, Box 451, Socorro, NM 87801. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Steadman-Hall Funeral Home, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM. 575-835-1530.
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