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DeBlassie -- Nick DeBlassie went to be with his beloved Lord on January 28, 2001 at the age of 86. He was born and raised in Old Town and attended San Felipe School. A lifetime resident of Albuquerque he was born on December 14, 1914 to Felix DeBlassie and Barbarita Moya. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Herrera DeBlassie, brothers, Paul DeBlassie Sr. and Felix DeBlassie, sisters, Libby Lopez, Maryann Candelaria, Nellie Chavez and Cecilia Herrera. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Castellano and husband Leroy; grandson, Joe Castellano and wife, Anna; granddaughter, Michelle Castellano; grandson, Randy Castellano and wife,,Sonia; great-granddaughters, Lauren Castellano and Lidia Castellano. Brothers, Tom DeBlassie and wife, Tomasita who faithfully visited him throughout his long illness, Earl DeBlassie and wife Mila, many nieces and nephews. Special Thank You to Vista Care Hospice, Dr. Gerard Muraida, Evelyn, Marissa and a beloved Thank You to Indira, Valerie and Linda who gave from their heart. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at Immaculate Conception Church at 619 Copper NW. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Rosary 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Mass following with Interment to follow at San Jose De Armijo cemetery on Arenal at Coors Blvd SW. Pallbearers are Joe Castellano, Randy Castellano, Robert DeBlassie, Donald Garcia, Paul DeBlassie and Steve DeBlassie. Arrangements were entrusted to Metropolitan Direct Burial and Cremation Center, Inc. 729 San Mateo Blvd. NE Albuquerque. 256-9400. www.AlbuquerqueNM.com
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Gabbett -- Michael F. Gabbett, 81, a resident of Albuquerque for 41 years, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2001. He was a beloved husband, father,"Opa" and friend. Gabbett was born on August 5, 1919, in Philadelphia. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940, beginning a 20-year career. He was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. In 1943, he answered President Roosevelt's call for volunteers for"a dangerous and hazardous mission" and became a member of Merrill's Marauders, the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional.) This elite unit fought under unspeakable conditions in the Burmese jungle. Gabbett designed the unit's patch, worn today by the 75th Infantry (Rangers.) From 1949 to 1960, he was an investigator for the Criminal Investigation Division in Germany, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. He retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant in 1960 at Sanda Base. In 1987, he wrote and self-published a book,"The Bastards of Burma." As he wrote on the back cover of his book,"The Marauders proved time and again that the human spirit could prevail when called upon." Gabbett's own spirit and tenacity allowed him to prevail against a host of physical ailments right up to the end of his life. Days before his passing at the Veterans Administration US Hospital, Gabbett rapid-fired three jokes in a row at his doctors, prompting one of them to remark,"Everyone walks out of this room laughing." Way to go, Dad. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elfriede; son, Thomas Gabbett; daughter, Patricia Gabbett Snow and husband, Brian, and children, Michael, Megan and Kasey; daughter, Maureen Gabbett of Cape May, N.J., and children, Lisa and Bill; and many friends and caring neighbors. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael H. Gabbett, in 1971. His greatest joy in recent years was spending time with his namesake 3-year-old grandson, Michael. Gabbett was a member of the Edelweiss am Rio Grande German American Club, the American Legion, the Roadrunner Basha CBI, and the Merrill's Marauders Association. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at the Sandia Funeral Care Chapel 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Growney -- Nancy Browder Growney passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2001. Nancy was born in Amarillo, TX on December 22, 1929 and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1948. After graduating in 1952 with a journalism degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, Nancy went to work for the Amarillo Globe News as a feature writer and covered other general assignments. She then worked for the Albuquerque Journal covering the Federal Beat. Nancy is survived by her husband of 40 years, Thomas F. Growney; her two sons, Thomas D. Growney and wife, Leigh and Daniel C. Growney and her two grandchildren, Ryan and Caroline Growney. Nancy is also survived by her her brother, David C. Browder and wife, Pearl, of Memphis, TX. A Rosary will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. The Funeral Mass will be performed at Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held at the Diamond Tail Ranch Cemetery, Memphis, TX. The family prefers memorial contributions may be made to the Quality Continuum Hospice, 2625 Pennsylvania NE, Ste. 225, Albuquerque, NM 87110 or to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030. Cremation has taken place. French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Hertford -- Matilda Hertford, a resident of Albuquerque for nearly 40 years, died Friday, January 26, 2001. She was preceded in death by her first husband, C.J. Crowley and her second husband, Kenner Hertford. Matilda is survived by son, Neal and his wife, Daisy, of Arlington, VA, son, Michael and his wife, Lia, of Houston, TX; daughter, Patricia, of Miami, FL; and son, Paul, of Port Arthur, TX; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank her many friends and neighbors who helped her in the last years of her life. And thanks to the kind and loving people of Harmony House and the Anna Kaseman Hospice unit who showed such love and respect during her final days. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, 5901 St. Joseph's Drive NW, on Thursday, February 1, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Matilda's name to Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice, 8100 Constitution NE, Suite 120, 87110. Strong-Thorne Mortuary is in charge of her arrangements.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Lithgow -- Daryl Lyn Lithgow, 34, of Albuquerque and formerly of Santa Fe died on January 25, 2001. Daryl was born in Santa Fe to Donald and Gloria Lithgow on December 23, 1966. He attended E.J. Martinez grammar school and went on to Capshaw middle school and graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1984. After high school, he joined the Navy and served on the USS New Jersey and was discharged in 1989. He was currently employed as a Bernalillo County Fireman and EMT. He is survived by his wife of two years, Jennifer Lithgow; two step-children; his parents, Donald and Gloria Lithgow of Santa Fe; brothers, Steve Lithgow and wife, Heidi of Las Cruces, Dennis Lithgow of Dallas, TX; sister Doni Marie Lithgow of Las Vegas, NV; grandparents, Tony and Letha Trujillo; uncle, Clarence"Porky" Lithgow and wife, Loretta of Santa Fe; aunts, Bonnie Birch and husband, Vic of Albuquerque, and Hilda Ripley of Las Vegas, NV; cousins, Loreen, Dawn, Vince and wife, Andrea, Mark, Ana Marie, John, Payson and Craig and many other relatives and numerous friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at Santa Maria de La Paz Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Michael Cross, Armando Evaro, Michael Roskom, Michael Chavez, Brian Kadle, and Michael Ramsey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Varnadore, Keith Clark, Michael Salazar, Michael Romo, Michael Garcia, David Simonson, Terry Moore, Steve Hill, Frank Chavez, Chris Wish, james Jonas, Rick Spradlin and Chad Kim. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa, 984-8600.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Lucero -- Rolando "Lonnie" Lucero, a resident of Albuquerque, died Thursday, January 25, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lucero; parents, Gilbert and Camerina Lucero of Albuquerque; father-in-law, Keith Ralph Ludwig and mother-in-law, Carolyn Jean Rabine; sisters, Gloria Gene Leslie and husband, Michael of California, Rosemarie Sprick and husband, Gary, and Lorena Hungate and husband, Larry, all of Albuquerque; brothers-in-law, Jim Furiosi, Rodney Ludwig and Bret Ludwig: sisters-in-law, Cheri Ludwig, Tina Carter, and Deborah Hines; nieces and nephews, Mario Herrera, Maria Rake, Raymond Herrera, Danny McConnell, Christopher Leslie, Jennifer Sprick, Theresa Sprick, Angela Hungate, Deborah Sprick, Josh Hungate, Elliot Hungate, and Nathan Hungate; and several great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by sister, Linda Furiosi. Lonnie graduated from Manzano High School in 1982, and served his county in the Air Force. He was an avid outdoorsman and balloonist. He never missed the Balloon Festival. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 31, 2001, 9:30 a.m, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1800 Martha NE. Cremation has taken place.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Mabray -- Don D. Mabray, M.D., 79, a resident of Albuquerque since 1956, beloved husband, father and grandfather died Saturday, January 27, 2001. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn K. Mabray; sons, Dr. Craig Jay Mabray and wife, Karen and Christopher D. Mabray and fiancé, Emmaley Fitzgerald; two grandsons, Marc and Scott Mabray; and mother, Ida Marie Henry, all of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Shirley J. Mabray. Don was a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1946 and served his internship at Harris Hospital in Ft. Worth, TX. He attended Aviation Medical Examiners School, Aviation Physiology School, Flight Surgeon�s School and was then assigned to the 8th Air Force, 27th fighter group. After he was honorably discharged in 1949, he completed a one year residency in surgery in Des Moines, IA. He then practiced medicine in Lamar, CO for 5-1/2 years before moving to Albuquerque in 1956, where he practiced medicine until 1991. After retirement from private practice, he worked as the medical adjudicator for the VA until 1997. Don was former chief of staff of the Presbyterian Hospital Center (1967-68). He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practioners, a member of the AMA, the New Mexico Medical Society, the Greater Bernalillo County Medical Society, the Temple Lodge #6, and the York Rite and Ballut Abyad Temple. Don had a good life in Albuquerque, loved fly fishing, gardening, art, reading, rock hounding, jewelry making, Indian artifacts and rugs. Services will be held Wednesday, 11:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE. Private entombment will take place. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 6600 Zuni SE, 87108 or Literacy of Albuquerque, 144 Harvard Dr. SE, 87106. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Martinez -- Rosa C. Martinez, 83, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 27, 2001. She was preceded in death by a son, Felix, her mother, father, and sister. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Balbino P. Martinez; daughters, Susan Maestas and husband, Phil; Irene Salas and husband, Juan, Mary Woodward and husband, Mike Draper, and Elizabeth Fleming and husband, Jerry; sons, Jose and wife, Theresa, Alfonso, Pete and wife, Frances, Rudy and wife, Ivy, Melecio, and Albert and wife, Stella; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her dearest friend, Jennie Apodaca. Graveside Services were held at San Carlos Cemetery on January 29, 2001. Memorial contributions in Rosa's name can be made to Presbyterian Hospice, 8300 Constitution Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Milligan -- Josefita Jiron Milligan, 96, resident of Albuquerque since 1944, went home to our Lord on January 28, 2001. She was born to David and Ferminita Jiron in Frisco, New Mexico. She was an active member of the St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Altar Rosary Society and belonged to the Eucharistic League. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Milligan, and grandson, Paul Milligan. Josefita is survived by four daughters, Virginia and her husband, Robert Holland, Amelia and her husband, Albert Disch, Carmelita and her husband, Ernest Garcia, Mary Lou and her husband, Joe Polaco; two sons, Clyde and his wife, Louise Milligan, Pat and his wife, Lily Milligan; 23 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. The Rosary will be recited Monday, January 29, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at the Palm Chapel of the Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal SE. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School NE. Pallbearers will be Michael Milligan, Edward Berndt, Ron Disch, Eric Disch, Victor Garcia, Gabriel Gallegos II and the honorary pallbearers will be John Milligan and Joseph Polaco II. Interment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery on Wyoming and Paseo Del Norte.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001

Perea -- Mr. Felix Perea, 51, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on January 27, 2001. Mr. Perea is survived by his son, Richard (Rick) Garcia and wife, Diana; his mother, Aurora Perea; four sisters, Betty Sebben and husband, Larry, Carol Garcia, Dolores Pruitt and husband, Butch and Virginia Serna; one brother, Andrew Perea and wife, Carol; and two grandchildren, Celina and Jeremy Garcia. A Rosary/ Memorial Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Rd SW with visitaiton after 6:30 p.m. Charlie Gallegos, reciting. Private disposition has taken place. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coos Rd SW in charge of the arrangements.
        Published on: Tue January 30, 2001