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MARKO -- Shirlee Marko, of Albuquerque, was born June 8, 1927, in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, where she was raised. She died peacefully on September 8, 2008. Shirl came to Socorro, NM in 1957, and to Albuquerque in 1963. She had three children, Kate, David, and Jane. She is survived by daughters, Kate Nanlohy and Jane Gagne and son-in-law Norm Gagne, all of Albuquerque; grandson Kaben Nanlohy; sister Norma Pilling and her husband, Gaelynd; brother Jack Kearl and his wife, Donna; brother Wayne Kearl; and many dear nieces and nephews and friends. The last decades of Shirl's life were the best. She spent 13 happy years with her husband Charlie Marko, a sweet and good man who loved her deeply and charmed her life. She was a Life Master in bridge and she traveled the world. She had good, caring friends, and she loved her family to her soul. In January 2008, she learned that she had terminal cancer. She had no fear, and spent her last months in complete dignity and grace, with a remarkable sense of humor and a glowing, beautiful smile to the end. Over the months, family and friends came from all over to say good-bye; we all laughed and hugged and talked, and cried some too. There could not have been a better send-off for the woman we all love. Night Song Rock me gently, Time. Rock me in the bosom of sable night. Unfurrow my brow. Turn out the light. Rock me softly in the long night. -Wayne Kearl, 2008. Special thanks go to the many caring and compassionate people at the New Mexico Cancer Center, and with Presbyterian Hospice. No flowers please. Donations may be made in Shirlee Marko's name to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, 4901 Lang Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109. A Celebration of her Life will be held on Sunday afternoon, 4 p.m.,September 14, 2008, at at the Gagne family home.
        Published on: Sun September 14, 2008