JEAN B. Passed as she lived, quietly and with dignity on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the age of 86, having struggled over the last few years with Alzheimer's disease. Jean is survived by Richard Kyrlach; Mona Pilgrim; Margot Kyrlach; and Millie Leahy. She was initially trained and worked as a Registered Nurse in Ohio. After all her children were in elementary school she again enrolled in college, receiving a teaching degree and a Master's Degree in Education. She taught second grade for 25 years at Lavaland Elementary School with the Albuquerque Public School District. During her tenure she often made dresses for some of the children in her classroom that could not afford them. Mom could make anything grow. She had a really green thumb and was passionate about gardening. She was a member of the African Violet Society and won multiple ribbons for her amazing blossoms. We grew up with hundreds of plants and flowers around us indoors and out. She also enjoyed baking immensely and won many blue ribbons at the State Fair. She was thrilled to get 1st prize for her sugar cookies after seven years of trying. Mom was like a gentle chameleon. No matter how strange or uncomfortable you felt, if you were in our mother's presence she would make you feel like a million dollars. She had a way of putting people at ease and she truly listened to what you said. If you didn't like mom then surely there was something wrong with you. Her smile lit up the room. She had a wonderful sense of humor and made everyone laugh. She loved all her children equally while appreciating their diversity. Once she retired, she spent hours working on genealogy. She traced both the Kyrlach and Blickensderfer family trees back for hundreds of years. She conveyed that interest to her children and grandchildren. She also loved to read and complete crossword puzzles with Bob Kyrlach, her former spouse, lasting friend and companion. She loved to crochet, making afghans and pillows. She was a very private person whose quiet strength shown in her love of her family and of the students she taught. Jean Kyrlach was the quintessential mother and grandmother and will be severely missed. Cremation has taken place and a joint service celebrating Jean and Bob's lives will be held Friday, March 9, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at French - University Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions made me made to the Alzheimers Association of New Mexico at: www.alz.org/NewMexico or the Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria NE, Alb, NM 87107. Please visit our online guest book for Jean: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
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