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Merle J. O'Keeffe, a resident of Albuquerque for over 60 years, died peacefully in her home on July 18, 2008, two days shy of her 82nd birthday. Born Merle June Bollerup in McCook, NE to Ethel Faye Law and Jens Jensen Bollerup, she lived in various locales including Lusk, WY, Denver and Los Angeles. Merle married Bill J. Shelton in 1948, and had three children, Carla Jay, Douglas Lee and Patricia Faye. The couple divorced in 1973. She was remarried to William E O'Keeffe from 1987 to 1989. Merle is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Carla Breeze and Wayne Decker of Albuquerque and New York City; her daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Bruce Moxon of Los Altos, CA; her grandsons, Drew and Blair Moxon, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Lee Shelton. As a young woman, Merle was actively involved in the League of Women Voters and the Girl Scouts of America, serving as a Brownie troop leader. Upon retirement from Sandia Labs in 1991, she spent her time taking classes on New Mexico history, traveling widely, singing in the UNM Chorus and generally supporting the visual and performing arts. A Memorial Service will be held in September, 2008. Donations may be made in Merle's name to Doctors Without Borders USA, www.doctorswithoutborders.org or P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.
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