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BUDKE -- Maralyn S. Budke, 73, died at her home in Santa Fe with her dog Adobe at her side on January 9, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to Herbert and Sue Budke on February 6, 1936, Maralyn was raised in Amarillo Texas. She attended the University of New Mexico and was active in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Maralyn majored in political science and graduated with bachelor and master degrees with honors. In 1959, Maralyn joined the staff of the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) where she held increasingly responsible positions until 1967 when she spent two years as the Governor's Chief of Staff. In 1968, Maralyn was selected as the first woman Director of the LFC where she served until her first retirement in 1982 after 23 years of government service. In 1986, Maralyn returned from her retirement to become Chief of Staff to Governor Garrey Carruthers when she accepted only a symbolic salary of $1 a year. In the government world of endless titles, she was simply known as Maralyn. Yet many consider her to be one of the most important women to have ever worked in New Mexico state government. Her legacy in public finance and its influence on public policy remain evident today. Maralyn was known for her competence and unparalleled depth of knowledge, insight and forward-looking abilities. With a reputation as a brilliant and masterful strategist, she was a trusted advisor and confidant to virtually every significant legislative leader and governor for the last 40 years. Her leadership, clear thinking and deep sense of responsibility to the people of New Mexico guided her principled actions and decisions. Maralyn was known for her judgment, fairness and credibility and her word was golden. Her wise counsel was frequently sought by those who wanted to make a difference. She was recognized for her wisdom and generosity in mentoring legislative and executive staff who credit her guidance and influence as significantly contributing to the leadership positions they hold in New Mexico and elsewhere. Maralyn always demonstrated the highest ethical standards for honesty and integrity and she exemplified the profound meaning of public service. Maralyn is also well-known for her philanthropic efforts. She has been credited with being responsible for the existence of the UNM School of Medicine and University of New Mexico Hospital. Following her second retirement, Maralyn served for 13 years on the University of New Mexico Hospital Board of Trustees and Clinical Operations Board. She also served on the University of New Mexico's Foundation Board of Directors. For 25 years, Maralyn also shepherded Santa Maria El Mirador, a non-profit organization dedicated to the developmentally disabled community, as this organization grew from six clients to now serving children and adults throughout New Mexico. She held leadership positions in Sangre de Cristo Animal Protection Inc. and the New Mexico's International Women's Forum. Maralyn exemplified how to gracefully move across the ages and stages, forever learning and continuing to engage in community and social concerns. Maralyn's life and career, and her numerous awards for Distinguished and Exemplary Service, are memorialized in the first Women in Politics collection in the New Mexico Archives. Maralyn is well known for her love of animals. Following her first cancer diagnosis in 1992, Maralyn pursued her interests in the preservation of endangered species by taking five African safaris between 1994 and 2005. She also traveled to Canada to see the polar bears in a remote location outside of Churchill. When home in Santa Fe, Maralyn's early mornings started with swimming at Quail Run where she met may dear friends, followed by long walks in town and at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter's Dog Park where she and her Doberman Adobe have many friends. Maralyn's gentle guidance, quiet but clever and insightful humor and kindness to others will always be remembered by those fortunate enough to share time with her. Our memories of her will continue to make us think and smile as we treasure her friendship. Maralyn is survived by her dog, Adobe; and many friends who greatly love, admire and respect her. Profound thanks and great appreciation to the UNM Health Sciences Center and to Dr. Julie Bauman and Dr. Gene Wong, Karen Zahn and the caring and competent oncology nurses at the UNM Cancer Center. Maralyn's friends are deeply grateful for the prompt response and high quality of care she received from her hospice nurses and caregivers that allowed her to remain comfortable and at home. Cremation has taken place. At Maralyn's request, there will be no services. Maralyn will be buried with her parents in Amarillo, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Maralyn S. Budke Endowment Fund at the UNM Health Sciences Center, Office of the Vice-President, MSC 09-5300, Albuquerque 87131 or to the Maralyn S. Budke Endowment Fund at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society, 100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe 87507. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600
        Published on: Tue January 12, 2010