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VI After waging a 7+ year battle against cancer, Vi Gautsch succumbed Tuesday evening, February 12, 2008, at home. She was 70 years of age. With her were her husband of 47 years, son, and youngest daughter. She was a loving wife, mother of three, grandmother of seven, and a pillar in our community. Vi was born May 9, 1937 in Culver City, CA, the daughter of Charles and Claire Chisholm. While in high school, Vi began modeling part-time, as well as taught modeling. She was also in the marching band, and writer's club. After high school, she worked as a legal secretary and court transcriber. She continued working as a legal secretary/court transcriber for almost twenty years. She lived in Los Angeles, California to the age of 22. At this time, Vi took a one-way ship ride to Germany, in May 1959, where she met 2nd Lt. Thomas J. Gautsch. They were married in July 1960 in Weisbaden. Upon their return to the States, they began their family and Vi continued to work and participate in organizations. In 1974, she obtained her real estate license and worked with Lukens & Associates. In 1983, Vi and and her good friend Connie Ryan started The Real Estate Center. These two ladies then brought the real estate franchise, Coldwell Banker, to Albuquerque in 1988. After expanding this company to three offices and having numerous residential and commercial agents, Vi and Connie sold Coldwell Banker in 1996. At this time, Vi continued with the original The Real Estate Center working in residential, commercial, and property management. Her accolades include such honors as attaining the esteemed CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 1984. She was the second woman to attain this designation in the state of New Mexico. She was also a board member on the Albuquerque Board of Realtors, and held many official positions, including being President of the Board. Vi was also active in the commercial organization CARNM. She was named Realtor of the Year in 2002. Public organizations of which she belonged to include Kiwanis, and People Living Through Cancer. Through 47+ years of marriage, Vi and Tom shared their passion for alpine skiing, and traveling the world. They had traveled back to Germany, England, France, Italy, and Ireland. They and their children have also enjoyed visiting the beaches of Hawaii and California, including Santa Catalina Island. Vi developed a passion for Avalon Beach in Catalina as a child which she shared with her husband and children for almost five decades. Vi had also had the honor of meeting and being blessed by both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Vi leaves behind her husband, Thomas J. Gautsch; son, Dr. Thomas L. Gautsch; daughter-in-law, Michele Gautsch; daughter, Susan M. Gautsch; and daughter, Jennifer A. Gautsch. She and Tom also have seven wonderful grandchildren: Christopher C. Gautsch (18), Jonathan T. Gautsch (16), Hannah L. Gautsch (12) Ezequiel K. Sandoval (11), Sarah E. Gautsch (8), Emily G. Gautsch (8), and Anthony I. Gautsch (4). Visitation will be at 5:00 p.m. at French Mortuary on Wyoming NE. Vigil Memorial and Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass for Vi will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center on the UNM Campus, located at 1815 Las Lomas (southeast of Lomas and University). An alternative to flowers can be donations made to PLTC (People Living Through Cancer). French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400 www.frenchmortuary.com
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