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BEAN -- DELORES "DEE" TAFOYA Age 71, a resident of Albuquerque and formerly of Belen, NM died July 15, 2011. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the Rev. David V. Bean on April 9, 1996. Also by her parents, Joe and Mary Cleotilde Tafoya; her sister, Irene Padilla; and her brothers, Raymond, Louis, Jose, and Orlando, who died at infancy. She is survived by a son, Gary Sanchez of Tome; a daughter, Annette of Albuquerque; her stepchildren, Steve Bean and wife, Anita of Albuquerque, Kevin Bean and wife, Susan of Albuquerque, and Bryan Bean of Placitas; grandchildren, Sharada and Anjali Bean, Benjamin and Rachael Bean, and Rebecca Rich, all of Albuquerque; one sister, Rose Andrews and husband, Kenneth of Belen; one brother, Danny and wife, Angie of Belen; her best friend, Barbara Spess and husband, Rick of Cleveland, OK. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She was a 1959 graduate of Belen High School and enjoyed serving on the committee for class reunions. She moved to Albuquerque in 1965 and worked as a waitress and bartender, and also managed some of Albuquerque's finest restaurants. She married David Bean on June 17, 1974 in Las Vegas, NV. They moved to Cleveland, OK where he served as Pastor of Cleveland's First Presbyterian Church for 17 years. While in Cleveland, Delores was employed as manager of the Cleveland Area Chamber of Commerce for six years and was vital to the community's growth and beautification until health problems forced her resignation in 1986. She was honored with Citizen of the Year award for her many contributions to the community that included, President of the Hospital Auxiliary and Cleveland Newcomers Club, and Vice President of the Cleveland Community Theatre. She was also involved in many organizations including: Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives, a Board Member of Oklahoma Green Country, East Central Private Industry Council, and Pawnee County Workshop. She was a member of The Triangle Heritage Museum, Business and Professional Women, and the Lake Keytone Association. She also coordinated the Portable Meals Program and implemented the exercise program at the Cleveland Nursing Home. She loved doing volunteer work but most of all she loved being a minister's wife and the work and the rewards that came with it. Delores was an active member of the La Mesa Presbyterian Church, the Alliance for the Mentally Ill, was a spokes person for the Organ Donor Program, and Persons with Disabilities. She also taught Spanish classes and loved teaching Spanish bible classes. She was an author and writer of two books. She loved having tea parties and celebrations for her neighbors at La Vida Buena where she lived for 18 years. A service celebrating her joyful union with her Lord will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at La Mesa Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Trey Hammond officiating. Interment will be at The Belen Catholic Cemetery in Belen, NM. Delores's organs were donated and cremation has taken place. Should friends' desire, memorial contributions may be made to the La Mesa Presbyterian Church, 7401 Copper NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 6733 Academy Road NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109. And a very special thanks to Premier Health Care and caregiver, Jacinda. Visit the online guestbook for Delores at www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
        Published on: Tue July 19, 2011