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BLEST -- Joanne Konopasek. We celebrate the life of Joanne Konopasek Blest, who passed away peacefully on March 7, 2011, at her home in Albuquerque, NM. Jody was born in Hammond, IN, on June 28, 1952. She lived in Griffith, IN, until she graduated from high school there in 1970. She attended Indiana University for three years, then spent some time in Chicago, working and enjoying her youth until two close friends convinced her to move "out West" to Silver City, NM, in 1979. Jody truly loved the magic of the Gila Forest and Silver City area, making many lifelong friendships and memories in her 15 years there. During that time, Jody also had her three children with then-husband Stephen C. Blest. Jody's true calling was as a teacher. She earned a degree in early childhood education from Western New Mexico University and began her teaching career in the Silver City School District. She continued teaching when she and her children moved to Moriarty, NM, in 1994. At Edgewood Elementary she devoted countless hours to her special needs preschoolers, building strong connections with many of the children and their families that continued for many years. In her second career, Jody excelled as a lead project manager. She moved into technology coordination and network administration for the Moriarty School District. After moving to Albuquerque, Jody became a senior project manager for POD. During her tenure with POD, she successfully managed several projects for the State of New Mexico, including a recent upgrade to the State's Enterprise Resource Management system. She also successfully managed the implementation of the criminal management system for the Albuquerque Police Department. Beyond her senior lead role, Jody served as mentor and trusted advisor to other junior staff members, always willing to help strengthen their skills. Life took an unexpected turn in June 2009 when Jody was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. At the same time, she learned she would be a grandma. She chose to put all of her remaining time and energy toward her family and her many hobbies, which included traveling, mosaics, playing musical instruments, watercolor painting, cooking, and gardening. Many days were spent watching her grandson grow, cooking new recipes she saw somewhere, listening to a new song or favorite musician, and just enjoying life. The loss of this remarkable woman will leave a hole for many. On this day, we lost our grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. Jody is survived by one grandchild, Hunter Landon; her three children, Elaine L. Landon and husband Robert of Albuquerque, NM; Julia C. Blest and husband Michael Haraburda of Eliot, ME; Stephen Brian Blest and fiance Rachel Cole of Albuquerque, NM; parents George and Marge Konopasek of Warsaw, IN; sister Barb Lambright and husband Rich of Simpsonville, SC; sister Katie Church and husband Bill of Greensboro, NC; brother Ed Konopasek and wife Jill of De Pere, WI; 12 nieces and nephews and their children; and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, George K. Konopasek of Albuquerque, NM. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Daniels Family Funeral Services, Wyoming Chapel. A lunch reception will be held following the services. Those who wish to express condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
        Published on: Fri March 11, 2011