MESA BROWNE Age 97, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by daughter, Avee Jean Van Dusen and her husband, Ross; daughter, Julia (Judy) K. Phillips and her husband, Lee; son, Clifford Keith Grigsby and his wife, Patty; grandchildren, James Phillips and wife, Diane, Joshua L. Phillips and Seah Johnson, Steven R. Grigsby and wife, Michelle of Carrollton, TX, and Pastor Michael C. Grigsby of Tempe, AZ; great-grandchildren, Ryan Tyler, Brandy Phillips and Matthew Phillips; great-great-grandchild, Lola Marsh; sister, Dorothy; and nephews, J.C. Browne, Jim Grigsby and Fred Grigsby. Mesa was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford F. Grigsby; father, Charles Lee; and mother, Julia Browne. Although Mesa was born in Florida, she was descended from a pioneering New Mexico family. Her grandparents arrived in New Mexico in the 1880's. Her grandfather was a Navajo trader in Farmington and later operated retail stores in Magdalena and Albuquerque. In 1913 her family left New Mexico for Florida, returning to Albuquerque in 1931. It was then that she developed her lifelong love of New Mexico. Mesa graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1932 and was married in 1936. She was a long-time member of Central United Methodist Church. Mesa was a salesperson at the American Furniture Company downtown in the 50's and 60's. In the 70's, she enjoyed a career as a residential real estate broker and was president of the Women's Council of Realtors. Mesa was a passionate bridge player for over 85 years, winning her last game two weeks prior to her passing. She also loved to travel and even drove to Florida alone at age 85, much to her children's dismay. Mesa liked to cook, entertain and sew. She had a nightly date with Johnny and then Jay. The crossword puzzle was a must, and disturbing her during Jeopardy could be fatal. Her adventures included parasailing in the Bahamas at age 81 and riding up nine stories in a cherry-picker for her 95th birthday. Mesa was quite a character. A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at French-Lomas Chapel. Burial will take place on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd, NE. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at French-Lomas Chapel. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Outcomes, Inc. at: www.outcomesnm.org. Please visit our online guest book for Mesa at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500
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