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RUST, KATHERINE HEFFERNAN Katherine, born January 13, 1928, died on March 1, 2015 following a full life. A devoted mother, friend of nature, animals and the arts with a passion for travel. She'd imagine her best day starts with a walk on the beach, searching for seashells, later swimming in the ocean then surrounding her day with music, reading a good book, sharing scrumptious food and conversation with family and friends. Her motto 'to give back' was learned from her now deceased parents, Amy Burgess and Ralph J Heffernan, while growing up in Bloomington, Illinois - same town as her ex-late husband - John (Jack) Laurence Rust. They married June, 1949 later divorcing 1968, but in-between five children were born (2nd child, Catherine Hollis Rust, died following childbirth). Surviving four are Julia Bowdich (Ray, deceased), Jane Janke (Bill), Amy Donohue (Jim), and John Rust (Jamie); blessed with grandchildren Glenn Janke, Jodie J Maguire (Michael), Erin D Stephens (Adam), Tom Donohue, John Donohue, Kelsey Rust and Taryon Zeleny; plus great- grandchildren: Mikey Maguire, Paxton Stephens, Avery Stephens, Steel Rust and Skylar Rust. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Justin D. Rust, and her sisters Ruthmary Crawford (John), Ann Spierling (Robert), plus her brother John Heffernan (Patti.) Katherine (Katie) adored life, following her passions across the globe; joining the efforts of Jane Goodall, the Orangutans Research and Conservation Project, The Leakey Foundation and the School of American Research, Sir Edmund Hillary's with the Sherpas, Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan people. In 1971 she spoke on the Congressional Floor alongside the Taos Indian Pueblo Governor and Council in their successful efforts when asking the US Government for protection in perpetuity of sacred lands at Blue Lake. A benefactor to Native American Indian students, she'd sponsor their work, encouraging them to pursue their passions as a career. In August 1968, she was a 'Judge' at both the 47th Annual Indian Market and the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, NM She had a gift for fundraising, in the early '60's she helped the United Way, and later the Santa Fe Opera following a destructive fire. She was deeply touched when Project Share attached her nameplate permanently on a closet in appreciation for her help, showing up weekly year after year. She served on the Board of Directors at The Santa Fe Opera, and in 1996 as an Honorary Director on the Board at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), served on the Board of Trustees at both The Wheelwright Museum as well as The Millicent Rogers Museum in 1986+1987 and the Albuquerque Historical Society. At her request, no service will be held. As a memorial to Katherine, please extend an act of kindness to someone in need and spread the same kind of love and joy that she provided to so many. We'll miss you and thank you for your lessons, laughter and love.
        Published on: Fri March 06, 2015