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MONTOYA, ANDREA CARRILLO Andrea Carrillo Montoya passed away peacefully with grace in Albuquerque early Friday morning, February 13th surrounded by loved ones. A long journey back to her beginning. Born in 1923 the 7th of 9 surviving children in Agua Fria, NM to Filberto and Maria Carrillo, the essential tasks of survival were to raise children, care for animals, tend crops and provide spiritual guidance. Going to school was regarded as a treasured opportunity, not an obligation. It is these circumstances and values that would shape her and those she touched. By the time she graduated from Santa Fe High school in 1941, she had been offered a 4 year 4H scholarship to New Mexico State University. Her Dad forbade her to accept , as college was no place for a woman. Instead, she found employment as an office assistant in the Department of Agriculture. She then met a military man and future husband, Ralph Tomas Montoya. Several years later she was a wife and mother of two sons. Determined to provide the best possible future for her family, she found a way to navigate and adapt to new conveniences, technologies and social diversity, while maintaining the beliefs and values handed down from her parents. Over decades, accommodations were made, bending never breaking to stresses and opportunities of a modern life. Compromise was rarely part of her solution, raising two more children. Gaining confidence and a new realization of choices as an independent woman, she was a entrepreneur, rancher and realtor. She spent several decades compiling her geneology dating back to the 1500's, yet her most peaceful times were spent on her ranch, tending to the cattle, fixing the houses, mending fences, and talking about making improvements until her death at the age of 92. She was a Founding Member of the Associates of the Blessed Sacrament, a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, New Mexico Geneology Society and a long-time active member of Queen of Heaven and St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Regardless of her environment, she was the happiest when she was connected to the earth, her family, and her Creator. Her grandchildren gave her tremendous joy and treasured memories. She will be deeply missed by those she touched and mentored. Her charm, wit, independence, drive, graciousness and loving nature became a moniker of her elderly years which will leave a legacy through family, friends and caregivers. She is survived by her children, Ralph Gilbert Montoya, Michael Anthony Montoya and spouse, Chris Montoya, Joseph Ronald Montoya, Maria Dolores Preciado and spouse, Lupe Preciado; grandchildren Rudolfo Montoya and spouse Charity Montoya, Glynis Montoya, Gabriella Preciado, Joaquin Preciado; sister, Anita Salazar; and many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Marcia Byers, Romalda Neeb, Amelia Carrillo, Rudy Carrillo, Manuel Carrillo, Antonia Lerma, Filiberto Carrillo, and Lucinda Garcia. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 18, 2015 beginning at 5:00 PM with the Rosary following at 6:00 PM. at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Avenue SE. Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo, 1818 Coal Avenue SE at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 19, 2015 with the burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Strong-Thorne Life Events Center 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
Published on: Wed February 18, 2015
COOK, BILL D. Age 76, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2015. He was born in Senica, MO on May 10, 1938, to Lester T. and Manervia M. (Wright) Cook. He attended Carthage High School and then graduated with an Associate's Degree from the University of Albuquerque. He served in the Army for 22 years, and retired as a Major. Bill received the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal for 2 tours of duty for serving in Vietnam. He married his bride of 52 years Carolyn Dick on January 10, 1963 in Carthage, MO. Bill worked in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence, Special Agent, Green Beret, Company Commander of the 5th Special Forces Group Gabriel Detachment. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and skiing, and he was a member of the New Mexico Patriot Guard Riders. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles Hartley. Bill is survived by wife, Carolyn N. Cook; son, Tyler D, Cook; daughter, Patricia Springborg and her husband Steve; brother, Clifford Cook and his wife Carol; nephews, David Cook, Mike Cook, Larry Cook; grandchildren, Ashley Bair, and Taylor Springborg; great grandchild, Ontario Bair. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 10:00am at Daniels Family Funeral services Wyoming Chapel. A Service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 11:00am following the Visitation. A reception will follow the service in the Wyoming Reception Room. Interment to follow at Fairview Memorial Park 700 Yale Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Billy's honor to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, New Mexico Branch newmexico@jdrf.org 6100 Indian School Road NE Ste. 110 Albuquerque NM 87110. To share memories with the family please visit Bill's memorial webpage at www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010
Published on: Wed February 18, 2015
HILLERMAN, MARIE ELIZABETH Marie Elizabeth Hillerman, 87, of Albuquerque's Los Ranchos, died peacefully on February 12, 2015 of an infection. She was born in Shawnee, OK on Feb. 27, 1927, the second of four children. She was always an avid reader and a life-long learner. Marie had the honor of introducing Eleanor Roosevelt when the former first lady came to visit her high school. Marie graduated from the University of Oklahoma where she majored in microbiology and education. She met the love of her life for more than 60 years, Tony Hillerman, at a Newman Center dance and became a dedicated football and basketball fan (Go Sooners and Lobos!). Marie and Tony married on Aug. 16, 1948 and lived in several small towns in Texas and Oklahoma where she worked as a junior high teacher. In 1953, Tony's career as a journalist brought them and their baby Anne to Santa Fe, NM. In Santa Fe they added to their family with the adoption of Jan, Tony Jr., Monica and Steve. In addition to raising five children, Marie was active in her Catholic parish, teaching CCD classes and preparing children for Confirmation. She also worked as a freelance meteorologist and substitute teacher and enjoyed life as a bridge player, passionate gardener and bird watcher. The Hillerman family moved to Albuquerque in 1963 when Tony went to work for the University of New Mexico. In Albuquerque, the adoption of Daniel made the family complete. Marie continued her life-long devotion to her Catholic faith, becoming an active member of Our Lady of the Annunciation parish. When the children left home, Marie travelled with Tony on book tours visiting France, Italy and Scandinavia. She loved her work as a volunteer with the Marianites bringing Holy Communion to the sick and elderly. She served for many years on the board of the Catholic Foundation helping people of all faiths. Among her many other interests were helping organizations which worked to improve education and living conditions on the Navajo Reservation, programs for battered families and to help those released from prison rebuild their lives. She was a Master Gardener and enjoyed answering questions about plants and pests through the Albuquerque Garden Center. Marie is survived by her family: daughter Anne Hillerman, husband Don Strel and grandson Brandon Strel and step grandsons Sean Strel and Kevin Strel and partner Gisele Delony, step-granddaughter Carrie Reinecke, husband Craig and great-grandsons Skyler and Taran. She is also surviving by her daughter Jan Grado, husband Rudy and grandson lan Grado, wife Stephanie and great-granddaughters Gianna and Zia; grandson Matthew Grado and fiance Brielle Wozny; granddaughter Sarah Tuico and her husband J R. Also surviving her is son Tony Hillerman, Jr. and his wife Lori. Also surviving her is daughter Monica Atwell, husband Doug and granddaughter Dawn Atwell, partner Jenny Galindo and great-grandson Jayden T. Galindo, granddaughter Cassandra Atwell and wife Tammy Hiland and great granddaughter Ashlynn T. Hiland; daughter Echo Atwell and fiance Jaime Galvan and great-grandchildren Ryley, Jersey, Phoenix and Nevada Galvan; granddaughter Toni Martinez, husband Mando and great-grandchildren Sage and Bensen Martinez. She is also survived by her son Steven August Hillerman and her son Daniel Bernard Hillerman and granddaughter Candyce Hillerman and grandson Daniel Christopher Hillerman and wife Terryn. She is also survived by a sister, Teresa Sifford and her husband, Dewey, and a brother-in-law, Loren Luschen, and her sister-in-law Margaret Mary Chambers and many nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Joseph and Anna Margreta (Schepers) Unzner; her husband of 60 years, author Tony Hillerman, and by her brother, Charles Francis Unzner and a sister, Gesina Joan Clarkson Luschen. A Rosary service will be held at FRENCH-Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming NE on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, 2621 Vermont Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 followed by a reception hosted by the family from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, 2600 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Thursday at 1: 30 p.m. In honor of Marie's generosity, the family asks that, instead of flowers, that donations be made to the Catholic Foundation, 4333 Pan American Highway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 or to programs that are dear to the Hillerman family at the University of New Mexico, the Tony Hillerman Collection Fund at UNM Libraries and the Hillerman-McGarrity Endowed Scholarship in Creative Writing, University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc., Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd NE, Ste. 108, Albuquerque, NM 87102. www.unmfund.org. Please visit our online guestbook for Mrs. Hillerman at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
Published on: Wed February 18, 2015
MONTOYA, ANDREA CARRILLO Andrea Carrillo Montoya passed away peacefully with grace in Albuquerque early Friday morning, February 13th surrounded by loved ones. A long journey back to her beginning. Born in 1923 the 7th of 9 surviving children in Agua Fria, NM to Filberto and Maria Carrillo, the essential tasks of survival were to raise children, care for animals, tend crops and provide spiritual guidance. Going to school was regarded as a treasured opportunity, not an obligation. It is these circumstances and values that would shape her and those she touched. By the time she graduated from Santa Fe High school in 1941, she had been offered a 4 year 4H scholarship to New Mexico State University. Her Dad forbade her to accept , as college was no place for a woman. Instead, she found employment as an office assistant in the Department of Agriculture. She then met a military man and future husband, Ralph Tomas Montoya. Several years later she was a wife and mother of two sons. Determined to provide the best possible future for her family, she found a way to navigate and adapt to new conveniences, technologies and social diversity, while maintaining the beliefs and values handed down from her parents. Over decades, accommodations were made, bending never breaking to stresses and opportunities of a modern life. Compromise was rarely part of her solution, raising two more children. Gaining confidence and a new realization of choices as an independent woman, she was a entrepreneur, rancher and realtor. She spent several decades compiling her geneology dating back to the 1500's, yet her most peaceful times were spent on her ranch, tending to the cattle, fixing the houses, mending fences, and talking about making improvements until her death at the age of 92. She was a Founding Member of the Associates of the Blessed Sacrament, a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, New Mexico Geneology Society and a long-time active member of Queen of Heaven and St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Regardless of her environment, she was the happiest when she was connected to the earth, her family, and her Creator. Her grandchildren gave her tremendous joy and treasured memories. She will be deeply missed by those she touched and mentored. Her charm, wit, independence, drive, graciousness and loving nature became a moniker of her elderly years which will leave a legacy through family, friends and caregivers. She is survived by her children, Ralph Gilbert Montoya, Michael Anthony Montoya and spouse, Chris Montoya, Joseph Ronald Montoya, Maria Dolores Preciado and spouse, Lupe Preciado; grandchildren Rudolfo Montoya and spouse Charity Montoya, Glynis Montoya, Gabriella Preciado, Joaquin Preciado; sister, Anita Salazar; and many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Marcia Byers, Romalda Neeb, Amelia Carrillo, Rudy Carrillo, Manuel Carrillo, Antonia Lerma, Filiberto Carrillo, and Lucinda Garcia. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 18, 2015 beginning at 5:00 PM with the Rosary following at 6:00 PM. at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Avenue SE. Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo, 1818 Coal Avenue SE at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 19, 2015 with the burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Strong-Thorne Life Events Center 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
Published on: Sun February 15, 2015
HILLERMAN, MARIE ELIZABETH Marie Elizabeth Hillerman, 87, of Albuquerque's Los Ranchos, died peacefully on February 12, 2015 of an infection. She was born in Shawnee, OK on Feb. 27, 1927, the second of four children. She was always an avid reader and a life-long learner. Marie had the honor of introducing Eleanor Roosevelt when the former first lady came to visit her high school. Marie graduated from the University of Oklahoma where she majored in microbiology and education. She met the love of her life for more than 60 years, Tony Hillerman, at a Newman Center dance and became a dedicated football and basketball fan (Go Sooners and Lobos!). Marie and Tony married on Aug. 16, 1948 and lived in several small towns in Texas and Oklahoma where she worked as a junior high teacher. In 1953, Tony's career as a journalist brought them and their baby Anne to Santa Fe, NM. In Santa Fe they added to their family with the adoption of Jan, Tony Jr., Monica and Steve. In addition to raising five children, Marie was active in her Catholic parish, teaching CCD classes and preparing children for Confirmation. She also worked as a freelance meteorologist and substitute teacher and enjoyed life as a bridge player, passionate gardener and bird watcher. The Hillerman family moved to Albuquerque in 1963 when Tony went to work for the University of New Mexico. In Albuquerque, the adoption of Daniel made the family complete. Marie continued her life-long devotion to her Catholic faith, becoming an active member of Our Lady of the Annunciation parish. When the children left home, Marie travelled with Tony on book tours visiting France, Italy and Scandinavia. She loved her work as a volunteer with the Marianites bringing Holy Communion to the sick and elderly. She served for many years on the board of the Catholic Foundation helping people of all faiths. Among her many other interests were helping organizations which worked to improve education and living conditions on the Navajo Reservation, programs for battered families and to help those released from prison rebuild their lives. She was a Master Gardener and enjoyed answering questions about plants and pests through the Albuquerque Garden Center. Marie is survived by her family: daughter Anne Hillerman, husband Don Strel and grandson Brandon Strel and step grandsons Sean Strel and Kevin Strel and partner Gisele Delony, step-granddaughter Carrie Reinecke, husband Craig and great-grandsons Skyler and Taran. She is also surviving by her daughter Jan Grado, husband Rudy and grandson lan Grado, wife Stephanie and great-granddaughters Gianna and Zia; grandson Matthew Grado and fiance Brielle Wozny; granddaughter Sarah Tuico and her husband J R. Also surviving her is son Tony Hillerman, Jr. and his wife Lori. Also surviving her is daughter Monica Atwell, husband Doug and granddaughter Dawn Atwell, partner Jenny Galindo and great-grandson Jayden T. Galindo, granddaughter Cassandra Atwell and wife Tammy Hiland and great granddaughter Ashlynn T. Hiland; daughter Echo Atwell and fiance Jaime Galvan and great-grandchildren Ryley, Jersey, Phoenix and Nevada Galvan; granddaughter Toni Martinez, husband Mando and great-grandchildren Sage and Bensen Martinez. She is also survived by her son Steven August Hillerman and her son Daniel Bernard Hillerman and granddaughter Candyce Hillerman and grandson Daniel Christopher Hillerman and wife Terryn. She is also survived by a sister, Teresa Sifford and her husband, Dewey, and a brother-in-law, Loren Luschen, and her sister-in-law Margaret Mary Chambers and many nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Joseph and Anna Margreta (Schepers) Unzner; her husband of 60 years, author Tony Hillerman, and by her brother, Charles Francis Unzner and a sister, Gesina Joan Clarkson Luschen. A rosary service will be held at FRENCH-Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming NE on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2015 at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2015 at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, 2621 Vermont Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Thursday at 1: 30 p.m. In honor of Marie's generosity, the family asks that, instead of flowers, that donations be made to the Catholic Foundation, 4333 Pan American Highway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 or to programs that are dear to the Hillerman family at the University of New Mexico, the Tony Hillerman Collection Fund at UNM Libraries and the Hillerman-McGarrity Endowed Scholarship in Creative Writing, University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc., Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd NE, Ste. 108, Albuquerque, NM 87102. www.unmfund.org. Please visit our online guestbook for Mrs. Hillerman at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
Published on: Sun February 15, 2015
BORDEN, THOMAS A., M.D. Dr. Thomas Borden, age 77, well known and loved Albuquerque physician, passed away peacefully February 4, 2015. A native of Indiana, Dr. Borden was a graduate of Earlham College (A.B., Chemistry). Thomas received his M.D. from the University of Chicago Medical School, training under Nobel Prize winning Urologist Charles Huggins, M.D. Dr. Borden also received a Master's Degree in Pathology during the same period. He joined the Air Force in 1969 as a Major and was stationed in Dayton, Ohio for two years. In 1971, he joined the University of New Mexico Urology Department specializing in Pediatric Urology, where he was a Urological Professor for almost 44 years and the Division of Urology Chief for 32 years, making him the longest reigning program director and division chief for Urology in the country. Dr. Borden had almost one hundred publications and a similar number of presentations to his credit. He trained between 55-60 urology residents during his tenure at UNM. In his leisure time, Thomas an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed Muskie fishing in Wisconsin and Canada, hunting turkey, deer, and elk in the Gila Wilderness and was an avid stock market investor. He is survived by his children, Catherine and Christopher; and his granddaughter Zada. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill and Mike; and sister, Peggy. A memorial service in Dr. Borden's honor will be held for the UNM Community on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Domenici Center Auditorium, 1001 Stanford N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87131. The family will be holding a celebration of life ceremony for Thomas at a later date (TBD). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the UNM Cancer Center - cancer.unm.edu/help/how-to-help. Please visit our online guestbook for Dr. Borden at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333
Published on: Sun February 15, 2015
BROWN, CHARLES, W. Charles W. Brown, "Charlie", age 87, passed away on February 7, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane; and his children, Obie and Polly. Charlie was an Eagle Scout, and he also served in the Korean War. He moved to Albuquerque in the 1950's and started Charlie Brown Insurance Inc. in the 1960's. He was an avid golfer, hunter, skier and fisherman. He was also a lifetime member of the Four Hills Country Club. Charlie also served as a member of several other organizations. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. The family suggests any memorial contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 5841 Office Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Please visit our online guestbook for Charlie at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333
Published on: Sun February 15, 2015
BEST, MARJORIE LOUISE Marjorie Best, 89, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed peacefully on February 12, 2015. Marjorie was the first baby born on New Year's Day in 1926, born to William and Mary Easterday. She grew up and raised her own family with the Sandias as her back drop. She married the love of her life, Robert H. Best in 1945. Family was her focus in life and the kitchen always smelled of fresh baked bread. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and son, Charles R. Best of Albuquerque. She is survived by her children, Jimmy Best, Barbara Gilbert and husband, Ray; and daughter-in-law, Shirley Best all of Albuquerque. With precious memories of popcorn and cookies she is survived by her grandchildren, John Best, Chip (Skye) Best, and Aimee (Craig) Sigmon all of NC, Jennifer Best of IL, Danny (Sasha) Gilbert of KS, Debbie (Rene) Luis of FL, Steve (Nicole) Gilbert of WA; seven great-grandchildren, Charles, Henry, Audrey, Rene, Cora, Ziva, and Joseph. Something of God is in a mother's love, Something of His tenderness and care; When I see a mother with a child, I see God there. Thank you Mom. A memorial will be held Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, 87107. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to honor Marjorie at the Salvation Army, salvationarmy.org. Please visit our online guestbook for Marjorie at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333
Published on: Sun February 15, 2015
JAKOWATZ, CHARLES V. "JACK" JR., DR. Dr. Charles V. Jakowatz Jr. ("Jack") a devoted father, friend, and most adored husband, passed away peacefully at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, NM on February 7, 2015, with his family and close friends by his side. Jack was born on March 5, 1951 in Urbana, Illinois to Dr. and Mrs. Charles V. Jakowatz Sr. He spent his childhood in Schenectady, NY where he cherished playing baseball, basketball, and other activities with his neighborhood friends. His family moved to Kansas, where both of his parents were raised, as his father took a job as the Dean of the Engineering School at Wichita State University. Jack graduated from Southeast High School in Wichita, KS in 1969 where he excelled in math and science. Jack went on to receive his undergraduate degree in 1972, his Masters in 1973, and PhD in 1976 from Purdue University. All of his degrees were in Electrical Engineering. His doctorate work addressed some of the very early research of CAT scans using x-rays and ultrasound. He stayed in contact with many of his professors as well as his lifelong and beloved friends that he met at the Triangle Fraternity at Purdue. Jack met the love of his life, Carol Lohner, when he came home to Wichita for spring break in 1970. They married August 18, 1973 in Wichita, KS. Upon graduation from Purdue, Jack and Carol relocated to Albuquerque where Jack began a thirty-eight year long career at Sandia National Laboratories. He retired on October 2, 2014 after a most distinguished career. All of his work was related to radar signal processing, specifically synthetic aperture radar (SAR). His research was a significant contribution to both environmental monitoring and national security. He was a published author. Jack and his team held a US patent on a fundamental SAR processing tool. Jack and his colleagues received the R & D 100 award in 1990 for one of the 100 best technical innovations in the United States. He received the Ernest O. Lawrence Award in 1997, a rare honor. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2002. He also received two separate awards from his beloved alma mater, Purdue University. In 2002 he received the Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineering award, followed by the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2004. Jack was a tremendous athlete. He loved cycling, swimming, running, weight lifting, golf and racquetball. One of his proudest athletic accomplishments was running a marathon in 3:03 in 1983. His slogan was "anything worth doing is worth overdoing." Humor was a large part of Jack's life. He loved movies, and often made people laugh with his imitations and ability to quote movies. He had an infectious laugh that made others love to be around him. He never failed to express his gratitude to everyone he met in his life. He is survived by his wife, Carol Jakowatz; his daughters, Amy Jakowatz and Courtney Weaks; his sons-in-law, Jason Weaks and Gabe Helgerson; his sister and brother-in-law, Judy Lenard and Dr. Joseph Lenard; his mother, Roberta Jakowatz; his two dogs, Scout and Arthur and so many friends that loved him and were inspired not only by his huge intellect, but his huge heart. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at FRENCH - Lomas. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jack's undying optimism and "never give up" spirit, we ask that you make contributions to the Jimmy Valvano Foundation (The V Foundation) at www.jimmyv.org or memorials may be made to The Charles V. Jakowatz Memorial Fund at Purdue University. Gifts can be made via the web at donate.purdue.edu or checks, with The Jakowatz Fund in the memo line and payable to the Purdue Foundation, may be sent to: Purdue Foundation, 403 W. Wood St., West Lafayette, IN 47907. Please visit our online guestbook for Jack at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
Published on: Sat February 14, 2015
GOFF, JENNIE JEROME REV. Reverend Jennie Jerome Goff died peacefully after a long illness, which she suffered with bravery and grace, surrounded by her husband, family and loved ones at her home in Bernalillo, Saturday, January 31st. Jennie was ordained as a minister of the Church of Religious Science in 2003, now Centers for Spiritual Living. She served as an assistant minister at Rio Grande CSL, and was involved in many activities there. Until her death, Jennie was the representative of the Spanish Language Ministry within the worldwide span of the Centers for Spiritual Living. Jennie was born in Saltzburg, Austria, February 23rd, 1953 where her parents, Robert and Jerome Gray, were stationed in the US Army. Her namesake was Jennie Jerome, a first cousin five generations removed, whose son was Winston Churchill. Jennie grew up in New Mexico and Wyoming as well as Mexico where she developed her lifelong connection to Latin American culture. She graduated from Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming in 1970. The following year Jennie's parents died tragically in a sailing accident on Pathfinder Lake in Wyoming. Their death when she was only eighteen was a central challenge in her life which she overcame through the love of her husband, her family and through her church. After graduating from the University of Wyoming she became a teacher in Ten Sleep and Rock Springs, Wyoming and in 1977 married the love of her life, Robert E. Goff. Within two weeks of getting married they were on their way to Mexico which was the first of many trips they took to Mexico and Europe. Jennie and Bob came back to Albuquerque to settle in the early 80's and later Jennie bought her grandmother, Ruth Corbett's insurance agency in 1983, when it became the Jennie Goff Agency. Bob Goff, an artist and builder, built their house in Bernalillo where they celebrated their love of her native New Mexico, surrounded by his paintings of New Mexican landscapes and their collections of Native American and Mexican artifacts. In the early nineties Jennie and Bob bought land in Llaves, New Mexico where Bob built another adobe house, this time with space for their horses, Wind Walker and Rain or Shine. It was a place to spend time with nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles hiking, camping and stargazing. The land had a deep spiritual meaning for Jennie and because of this she chose to share her retreat with many of her CSL family as well. Jennie is survived by her husband, Robert E. Goff of Bernalillo; her brother, Robert Gray and his wife Goody of Darien, CT; her sister Sandy Zemanek and her husband Bill of Los Lunas; as well as eight nieces and nephews: Lindsey, Andrew and Alex Zemanek, Priscilla, Robert and Harry Gray, Kristi Carbajal and Kerry Brando. She adored her uncles and aunts - Peter and Maja Biddle, Tony and Ramona Biddle, Kelley and Karen Corbett, Cynthia Lu Corbett and LeRoy Simmons, Marcia Gordon and Charles Corbett - and all of their children. There will be a celebration of her life on March 21st at 10 am at the Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living, 4374 Alexander Blvd, NE, Albuquerque, NM. Memorial donations may be made to CSL's Spanish Language Ministry.
Published on: Sat February 14, 2015
