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JENNIE MERHEGE Our mother, a sweet angel, left this earth on Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008. She was born on January 19, 1924, in Santa Fe, NM. As a youngster her family moved to San Juan Pueblo and then to Fairview, NM, where she spent most of her growing up years. She graduated high school from Loretto Academy and worked at various jobs before marrying Arthur Joseph Michael, Sr. of Albuquerque. She bore three children, Arthur Joseph Michael, Jr., Charles James Michael, and Barbara Ann Michael. Arthur and Jennie moved to Santa Fe in 1954. Jennie's last job was as secretary at Alvord Elementary. She loved the staff and students at Alvord Elementary and they loved her. She was known lovingly and respectfully as "Jennie" by staff a students alike. Jennie loved the simple things and the beauty in life. She had a kind heart, a good sense of humor, and much compassion for those in need, gladly giving a helping hand or lending a confidential ear. She lifted the spirits of those who saw her on any particular day with a smile that glowed and warmed people's hearts. She genuinely loved people and encouraged them to pursue their passions and dreams. Many sought and felt comforted by her presence. For many years Jennie lived in the shadow of a neurological disease. She carried on courageously, with dignity, and with kindness, never losing her radiant smile or her sweet and positive nature. Those who knew her during that time will never forget her. Even in the midst of a terrible disease she shared her love, her heart, and her true self with those around her. Jennie loved all of her family and they loved her. She is survived by her children, Arthur Joseph Michael, Jr. and Barbara Ann Michael; her sisters, Jessie Fidel (who was Jennie's guardian angel on earth throughout her life), Mary (James) Million, Helen (Gene) Finch; and her brother, Joseph Merhege; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. Family members who predeceased her include her husband, Arthur Joseph Michael, Sr., with whom she will rest at the Rosario Cemetery; her son, Charles James Michael; her parents, Latify and Fidel Merhege; her sisters, Afife Zaunon and Orelia Jabbour; her brothers, John Merhege, James Merhege, Fidel Merhege, Jr., and Michael Merhege. Jennie's beautiful spirit attracted many other beautiful spirits to serve on her caretaking team throughout her illness. These people loved Jennie as if she were a member of their own immediate family and advocated strongly for her needs. They were loyal, diligent, outstanding in skill, and never faltered in providing her with the best care that anyone could receive. The family will eternally grateful to Eloise Garduno, massage therapist, who provided incredible and comforting massages for eight and one-half years; Naomi Roy, personal care provider, who never said no to any request involving Jennie's care, was readily available to assist the family with all emergencies, and who has an unmatched quiet strength of character that comforted Jennie every day; Nellie Nunez, who luckily became a member of Jennie's team three years ago and who brought with her specialized knowledge in the care of the elderly and terminally ill and a smile and positive attitude that matched Jennie's; Jason Schilening, Clear Training Systems, (personal trainer) and Jeff Nailen, Renaissance Personal Fitness (personal trainer), both of whom constantly sought and learned a variety of techniques to work with Jennie as her condition changed throughout time and both of whom are consummate professionals. Finally, the family thanks the professionals at Odyssey Healthcare and Lee Levin, M.D., all of whom worked together to allow Jennie to remain at home until she died, which was one of her three wishes A Visitation will be held Sunday, February 10, 2008, 2 to 5 p.m. at McGee Memorial Chapel. A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, February 10, 2008, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 11, 2008, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Rosario Cemetery. Those wishing to do so may make a donation, in lieu of flowers, to the New Mexico Alzheimer's Association. Mom, may your smile brighten the heavens for eternity. We love you. Rest in peace. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600
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