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LOFTUS -- Marie M. Loftus. In the very early morning hours of August 8, 2004, Marie became eternally free from pain and protracted health struggles. A loving, devoted and spirited mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and neighbor, Marie was born on February 17, 1929 in Clovis, the third of five children born to Ray and Ethel Miller. Stricken with polio in 1943, her courage and spirit allowed her to dispense with that obstacle and eventually begin to pursue a nursing career, demonstrating both her natural skills and her gratitude to those who had nursed her back to health. While away at school, family needs brought her back to New Mexico, and ultimately prevented her from completing her R.N. Undeterred, she then became a radiology technician and worked in that field for 18 years. Marie met and married Martin Loftus, an Air Force officer, with whom she traveled much of Europe and bore three children. In 1976, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was given little hope of surviving, but her will to see her children to adulthood carried her through. She moved to Albuquerque in 1982 as a single, divorced woman determined to make her way. Marie was employed by Presbyterian Hospital as a well respected supervisor in Radiology Transcription and Manager of Medical Records until her retirement in 1999. Family was the joy of Marie's life and she was very proud of her children's accomplishments and the happiness each has achieved. Marie took immense delight in spoiling her grandchildren and was very much looking forward to the arrival of another grandson in September. Loyal friendships sustained her through difficult times. Marie will be remembered as a generous, courageous, gentle, fun, optimistic and steadfast woman. She also will be remembered as a woman of sophisticated taste, particularly for art, antiques and fashionable shoes. She is and will continue to be deeply missed by her family and friends. Marie's surviving family includes her children and their spouses: Drs. Theresa and Mark Hodin of Buffalo, NY; Michael and Jeanne Loftus of Albuquerque; and Michelle and Paul Collins of MT; grandchildren, Riley Hodin, Shane Foxx, Tarah Foxx, Ian Collins and Ben Collins; sisters, Maxine (Carl) Koscielski and Patricia (Larry) Greathouse. She also is survived by a brother, Charles, and his family of Colorado, in addition to many nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends for which she was very grateful include Anne Horton, Jerri Alexander, Elaine Mongar, Evelyn Lunte and Jennifer Maulsby. Sincere gratitude is extended to the doctors and staff of Presbyterian Hospital who cared for Marie. Special thanks go to Drs. Carl Lagerstrom and Martin Miller, P.A.s Jim Carter and Reed Burnett, 7th floor nursing staff, especially Nikki, Gerald, Maria, Lisa, Kelly, Randy, Aurelia, Mika, Robbie, Carolyn and all those whose names we cannot recall, Linda, our final oncology nurse, also has our thanks. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 12, 2004 at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel NE. Final disposition will be conducted privately by family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marie's name are suggested to All Faiths Receiving Home 1709 Moon St. NE, Alb, 87112 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 505 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN 38101. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
        Published on: Thu August 12, 2004