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VAUGHN -- Eliza Jane Vaughn, 83, a resident of Albuquerque for 47 years, died Wednesday, January 16, 2008 peacefully at her home. She is survived by her son, Michael Vaughn and his wife, Judy; daughter, Eilene Vaughn-Pickrell and her husband, Nick; and grandchildren, Samuel Pickrell and Nicole Pickrell, all of Albuquerque; her sister, Esther Ashton and brother, William Ashton, both in England; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, friends, and children who she cared for over the years . She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Bianco Vaughn; her parents, John and Mary Ashton; sister, Mary Reynalds, and brother, John Ashton. Eliza grew up in a fishing town in England. After losing her parents at a young age, she grew up in an orphanage. When she was old enough to leave "the home," she pursued an education as a pastry chef. But it was WWII in England and she went to work at a munitions factory to help the war effort. Since it was wartime, the USO held dances for soldiers and civilian workers stationed in England. That's where Eliza met Herman. They soon married and were transferred to Kirtland AFB, where Herman retired from the Air Force in 1960. Sadly, he died of cancer in 1963. Eliza, also known as Margaret, went on to raise Michael and Eilene on her own. A natural English nanny (the kids called her Nana), Eliza soon found herself caring for many neighborhood children and then children from throughout the city. She was a member of The Cathedral Church of St. John for over 40 years, where she served several years on the Alter Guild. Eliza liked to travel, take car rides, knit beautiful sweaters and afghans, go to the casinos, watch Jeopardy, men's tennis (especially Wimbledon), the Hallmark Channel, and Western movies. She also liked to cheer on the Lobo Men's Basketball team. She had incredible strength that got her through many losses in her life; a wonderful (albeit English) sense of humor that brightened the days of those she encountered, and a zest for life that kept her going for so many years. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. Chapel, Monday, January 21, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at The Cathedral Church of St. John, 318 Silver SW (corner of Silver and 4th St. downtown). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE. (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Mon January 21, 2008