|
WELSH, DANA Age 87, peacefully passed away December 18, 2012. Dana was born on November 16, 1925 to Ewald and Lola Jesswein of Gillett, AR. She grew up in this small southern town as a tom-boy and social renegade, with a strong opinion of the reigning social system and place of a woman in society. She played sports, worked at the family farm and, in at least a nod to her place in the social firmament, became an accomplished piano player. Dana went on to become the first woman to earn a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Arkansas. Following graduation she settled into raising a family in Arkansas, Albuquerque, Santa Barbara, CA, Reno, NV, and, finally, returned to her beloved New Mexico for the final 27 year chapter of her life. Her legacy was as "Grandma" to her five grandchildren. She loved them deeply and they, her. In her later years she willingly adopted the children and grandchildren of her son, Jim's, second family as her own. Dana had a large and accepting heart and left an endearing legacy for all who knew her. If you were her friend, you knew it. Dana was preceeded by her parents, her first child Teresa Arcularius and her grandson Zachary Steele. She is survived by grandsons Jess and Jacob Arcularius; her daughter Lisa Steele and her sons Stephen Wisdom and Paul Wisdom; her son Jim and his wife Carol; and Carol's children and their families - Misti Duffy, husband Heath and children Jacob and Hannah; Justin Ashcraft, wife Lisa and children Maya, Ella and Ian, and; Adam Ashcraft, wife Lisa and children Jordan and Zachary. Dana is also survived by Stella Nowicki, her dedicated and ever-present caregiver and friend. Dana's candle has flickered out, but her light will remain with all of us. No formal services will be held per Dana's direction. The family will host a small remembrance gathering at the home of her son, the afternoon of January 13, 2013. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to your favorite charity. FRENCH 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
|
