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CUNICO -- MARIETTE C. (MIA) was born November 28, 1915 in Cuba, New Mexico. She passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the age of 95. Mariette was born on a ranch outside of Cuba, New Mexico, the oldest daughter of a pioneer New Mexico family. Her paternal grandfather, Guillaume Coulloudon emigrated from France in 1871 and was one of the stonemasons employed by Archbishop Lamy in the construction of St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The family moved to Albuquerque when Mariette was six. She had a beautiful singing voice and played the piano. Mariette loved music and would often sing for her children and grandchildren when they were small. Both family and friends remember her as a strong, feisty, and loving mother and grandmother who liked cats and who loved music. Mariette's many accomplishments include her fluent command of both French and Spanish fluently. She graduated from Albuquerque High School and later received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico in 1939 with a major in Modern Languages and a minor in Music. Marietta taught French and Spanish at the Sandia School for Girls, which later became Sandia Preparatory School. Throughout most of her life, Mariette was very active in several organizations, including the University of New Mexico Alumni Association, the New Mexico League of Women Voters (from which she received a lifetime achievement award), Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity both as a student and later as President of the SAI Alumnae Association and the Alliance Franaise. As well, Mariette was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mariette was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Fred Cunico in December of 2003; her parents, mile and Apolline Coulloudon; her brother, Alfred A. ( Sonny) Coulloudon, and "Little Sister." She is survived by her brother, Roger F. (Buddy) Coulloudon of Romeroville, NM; her daughter, Juliette Cunico; son, Frederick A. Cunico; her grandchildren, Marguerite K. (Mimi) Peavy, Mariette F. (Syd) Peavy all of Albuquerque, NM, and Rachael Donaldson and husband Marcus of Portland, Oregon; her great-grandchildren, Colette Hardman-Peavy and Natalie Peavy. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of Mariette's life in the Chapel at Manzano del Sol Good Samaritan Village, 5201 Roma Ave, NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions in Mariette's memory to: Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, Alpha Sigma Chapter, University of New Mexico., Albuquerque, NM 87131. Cremation has taken place. There will be a private gathering at the gravesides of both Mariette and Fred at a later date. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008
        Published on: Sun September 18, 2011