Newest Obituaries
DR. FRED BEGAY Dr. Fred Begay (Clever Fox) Navajo Clans: Tachii'ni (Red Running into the Water People) --
, Kin lichii nii (Red House People) In beauty may I walk All day long may I walk Through the returning seasons may I walk Beautifully will I possess again Beautifully birds.... Beautifully joyful birds.... On the trail marked with pollen may I walk (Dine Prayer) A wonderful, caring, loving, giving, human being passed away at the age of 80 on April 30, 2013. Fred is now taking his spiritual journey home. His passing has been a devastating loss to his family and friends who loved and respected him deeply. Fred's legacy will continue with his family who will maintain his traditional culture and educational values which were very important to him. Dr. Fred Begay was born July 2, 1932, at Towaoc, Colo. on the Ute Mountain Indian Reservation. His mother Joy Lopez was Dine and Ute and his father Hosteen Begay was Dine. Fred attended the Bureau of Indian Affairs Boarding Schools at Ignacio, Colo. (1942-1946) and Albuquerque, New Mexico (1947-1951) where his training was in farming. In 1952, he married Helen Smith from Shiprock and they had seven children. He is survived by his loving family: wife Helen; brothers Johnny Lopez, Leroy Young, Raymond and Norman (Glenda) Lopez; and many relatives from Dine and Ute Mountain tribes; children Fred Jr, Joyce (Phil), William, Janet, Terry, Christina, Carolyn (Scott); grandchildren Amber, Crystal (Quinn), Jade, Justin (Aubry), Yana (Chris), Jeremy (Elizabeth), Benjamin (Brenda), Kalika, Winona, Stephen, Jason (Adrianne), Sarah (Patrick), Erick (Bonnie), Michael, Deezbaa, Amanda (Alex), Elizabeth (Manuel); great-grandchildren Jacqueline, Helena, Wyatt, Triana, William, Margaret, Ryan , Krista, Abagail, Adam, Belle, Hannah, Noah, Naomi, Nathaniel, Chiara, Ella, Joseph, Lily, Leah, Jaxon, Abegail, Jordon, and Jewel. As an non-commissioned officer, Fred served in the US Air Force during 1951-1955 and was assigned to an air-rescue squadron in Korea during the Korean War. He attended the University of New Mexico where he earned a bachelor's degree in math and science in 1961, a master's degree in physics in 1963 and a doctorate in nuclear physics in 1971. In 1971, Fred joined the physics staff of Los Alamos National Laboratory. He was also part of a NASA-funded space physics research team at UNM to conduct fundamental studies on the origin of high energy gamma rays and solar neutrons (1960-1963; 1965-1972). He has held research and teaching fellowships at Stanford University and the University of Maryland. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 22nd in Santa Fe, New Mexico. RSVP's for memorial must be received by June 15, 2013. Please contact Joyce Begay-Foss at begayfoss_2000@yahoo.com for details on time and location. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you please send your donation/ inquiries to: Seaborg Hall of Science, 2480 36th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544.
Published on: Sun May 19, 2013
EDWARD J. JACQUEZ Age 82 --
, passed away peacefully at the Colorado State Veterans Home in Walsenburg on May 14, 2013. He was born to Thomas and Rosita Jacquez on August 30, 1930 in Mora, New Mexico. He was a decorated Korean War Veteran, and a Purple Heart recipient. He was also known as an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who accompanied many friends on outdoor adventures. As a proud resident of the community of Taos, he touched the community with his kindness and willingness to help anyone who was in need. He was committed to volunteering in many organizations in Taos and the surrounding area. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Henry Jacquez, Thomas Jacquez, two sisters; Mary Martinez, Amelia Romero. He is survived by his lifelong companion Judy Baca, two brothers; Joe Arthur Jacquez, Bernie L. (Geri) Jacquez, one sister; Sophia (Raymond) Baros, one sister-in-law Lucy Jacquez, one very special nephew; Gene (Evelyn) and son Josh Jacquez, The Roberto Medina Family and numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at St James Episcopal Church in Taos with the Burial at 2:15 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements were made with Weylen's Funeral Home in Questa. www.weylens-funeral-home.com
Published on: Fri May 17, 2013
JUAN ANDRES MADRID Age 101 --
, a longtime resident of Las Vegas, NM passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2013 in Las Vegas, NM. He was born on February 29, 1912 in La Cinta Canyon, NM to the late Isabel Nieves Madrid and Josefita Montoya-Madrid. A lifetime Catholic, he was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church. He worked for several years for the Meadow City Gas Company. He was a longtime rancher. He was preceded in death by his parents: Isabel and Josefita Madrid; wife, Carolina Gonzales-Madrid; all of his brothers and sisters; great-granddaughters, Erlinda and Victoria Apodaca; great-grandson, Andrew Cruz; son-in-law, Herman Griego. He is survived by his daughters and son, Bertha Apodaca and husband Don of Las Vegas, NM; Eloy Madrid and wife Mary of Santa Fe, NM; Agnes M. Griego of Albuquerque, NM; Bessie Cruz and husband Alfonso of Santa Fe, NM; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; twenty-two great-great-grandchildren; three great-great-great grandchildren; numerous: nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rosary Services will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, NM. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church with Father George V. Salazar as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Las Vegas, NM with the following serving as Casket Bearers: John Apodaca, Jerry Apodaca, Edward Madrid, Andrew Cruz, Gilbert Cruz, Rick Barela and Richard Barela. Serving as Honorary Bearers will be Russell Garcia, Donald Apodaca and Andres Apodaca. Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.comto sign our online register book. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM. 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.
Published on: Tue May 14, 2013
ALPHA SCOTT Age 91 --
, beloved mother and grandmother, passed peacefully from life on May 6, 2013, at Presbyterian Anna Kaseman Hospice. Alpha was born on October 22, 1921, in Breece, a logging camp in New Mexico, the second youngest of ten siblings. She spent the majority of her life in Albuquerque, working various jobs, finally retiring from JC Penney Co. in 1981. Alpha married Frederic A. Scott on October 16, 1954, enjoying almost 27 years of matrimony prior to his death on November 25, 1980. Her inspirational strength as a cancer survivor, along with her avid interest in politics and the stock market, will be lovingly remembered. She enjoyed many sports and was a passionate fan of all UNM Lobo teams. In addition to her husband, Alpha is preceded on this journey by her parents Robert Lee Curnutte and Mary Edna (Stratton) Curnutte, and nine beloved brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children Pamela Maez and husband Alfred of Santa Fe, NM, Randall Scott of Albuquerque, NM, Lester Scott of Pleasanton, Ca. and grandchildren Jessica, Danielle, and Crystal Scott, Nicolas and Christopher Ortiz y Pino, and many other family and friends. The family would like to thank Presbyterian Anna Kaseman Hospice for the loving and gentle care of Alpha in her final days. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013, at FRENCH - Wyoming. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m in the same Chapel. Please visit our online guestbook for Alpha at www.FrenchFunerals.comFRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE 505-823-9400
Published on: Sun May 12, 2013
MOSES ATTREP --
, JR., Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and scientist died in Los Alamos, NM on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. Born the youngest of seven children on January 2, 1939, in Alexandra, La., Moses grew up in Alexandria and went on to attend Louisiana College in Pineville, La. He continued on to graduate school in Arkansas, obtaining a Ph.D. in radiochemistry from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. While in Arkansas, he met Katherine Gerloff. They married in 1965 in Little Rock and soon moved to Worcester, Massachusetts where Moses had a postdoctoral fellowship at Clark University. In 1967, Moses took a position in Chemistry at East Texas State University, where he later served as chair of the chemistry department. While in Commerce, Moses and Katherine had two children, Kara and Jennifer. In 1985, Moses took a position at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM. During his career, he published numerous articles in academic journals on various subjects. Moses retired from LANL in August 2002 but continued to work on various projects related to radiochemistry. One of these projects included co-authoring a radio analytical chemistry experiments textbook. Throughout his life, Moses was an active member of the Episcopal Church, serving on a church vestry and volunteering for numerous church ministries. Moses was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. His family will miss his wonderful cooking and great conversations. Moses is survived by his wife, Katherine; daughters, Kara Attrep (husband Rob Wallace) of Bowling Green, Oh., Jennifer Attrep (husband Todd Coberly) of Santa Fe, NM; grandchild, Eleanor Attrep Coberly; sisters, Sophia Nassif and Georgia Karam; sister-in-law, Mary Attrep; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter; parents, Moses and Nazha, two sisters, Mary Doumitt and Dee Armand, and two brothers John Attrep and Abraham Attrep. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Faith in Santa Fe, 311 E. Palace Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. The family of Moses Attrep, Jr. has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espaola Valley. 505-747-7477 - www.devargasfuneral.com
Published on: Fri May 10, 2013
JIMMY REYNALDO VIGIL Age 72 --
, a resident of Santa Fe, NM passed away April 22, 2013. He was born in Vaughn, NM to Antonia and Adolfo Vigil. He was husband to Sally Vigil since 1965. Jimmy is survived by his loving family: Carmen Leyba, Francis Dimas, and Mary Ann West, Adolph Vigil, Antonia and Victoria Vigil, Helen Griego and Nora Chase; and many nieces and nephews. Jimmy was a marksman in the US Army. He was a carpenter and a craftsman. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to El Corazon Hospice, 811 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Interment will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.
Published on: Wed May 08, 2013
MARIA AGAPITA QUINTANA Age 84 --
, a resident of Cuarteles, NM passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2013 with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Ignacio Quintana; daughter, Maxine Quintana; son, Donald Quintana; parents, Cresencio and Rufegio Lopez; grandson, Edward T. Quintana as well as other loving relatives. After raising 5 boys, she started teaching Head start, which she had a passion for. She enjoyed her family and in her later years enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She liked to garden and her home was always full of flowers. Mrs. Quintana is survived by her children, Edward Quintana and wife Sennie of Cuarteles, Steven Quintana and wife Susan of Arroyo Seco, Michael Quintana and wife Cindy of Pojoaque and Lorenzo A. Quintana of Cuarteles; grandchildren: Sara and husband Ryan, Danita, Alisha, Tiffany and Matthew; great-grandchildren: Cheyenne, Deanna, Donald, Juanito, Armando and Angel; brother and sisters: Aurelia Hiteman, Robert Lopez, Stella Gonzales and husband Eloy, Lupe Jaramillo and husband Julian and Jose Alfonso Lopez and wife Sylvia; sisters-in-law: Adelina Quintana and Lucita Rayban; special God-daughter, Lilly Mae Ortiz; numerous other loving relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Caada. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. also at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Caada. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz at a later date. Assisting the family as pallbearers will be Edward, Steven, Michael, Lorenzo, Jerry and Floyd Quintana. The family of Maria Agapita Quintana has entrusted their loved one to: DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espaola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com
Published on: Tue April 23, 2013
ERICA LEE KERSTIENS Passed away on April 12 --
, 2013, after a short, courageous fight with cancer. She was born on November 12, 1973, in Chicago Heights, Ill and was raised in Los Alamos, NM. She graduated from Los Alamos High School and attended New Mexico State University. She loved animals and worked in veterinary clinics in New Mexico and Virginia. Her last job was as a Project Specialist at the DOE National Training Center on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Frank and Marjorie Kerstiens, maternal grandfather Robert Oehlkers, and step-brother Jonathan (Jon) Garcia. She is survived by children Kylee (6) and Gavin (3), mother Debora Kerstiens, father and step-mother Lyle and Teresa Kerstiens, brother and sister-in-law Eron and Teri Kerstiens, step-sister Jennifer Garcia, sister-in-law Michelle Garcia, maternal grandmother Vivian Oehlkers and her dog and numerous cats. She is also survived by the father of her children, James Elwell as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many close and dear friends. Her children were the love of her life and she was a terrific mother. Erica will always be remembered for her love of animals including dogs, cats, ferrets, and hamsters. She was constantly taking in a dog or a cat that needed a home or to be fostered. Her wishes were to be cremated with burial in Los Alamos. A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. Donations can be made to the Erica Kerstiens Medical Fund at any Los Alamos National Bank branch or to the Valencia County Animal Shelter in her name. The family of Erica Lee Kerstiens have entrusted the care of their loved one to: DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espaola Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com
Published on: Sat April 20, 2013
RICHARD ARTHUR BRENNER Richard Arthur Brenner --
, age 84, passed away on April 18, 2013. Known to his many close friends as Dick or "the Duke," Richard was born on June 19, 1928, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and spent most of his life living and working in New York City before moving to Santa Fe in the late '90's. As a youth, Richard enjoyed attending sleep-away summer camp and was an avid and talented basketball player and star member of his high school team. Later, his athletic prowess and passion turned to tennis. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1950, graduating with honors. The first phase of his distinguished career was in retailing. He spent many years at Bloomingdales, where he was a rising star, ultimately leaving to become President of Royal Lynn, a division of Revlon. In 1968, together with his wife, Eleanor, Richard started Brenner Couture, a very successful women's dress business. He was President and handled the business operations, while Eleanor was the head designer. In the late '70's, he felt that the industry was changing, with manufacturing moving to Asia, and decided to close the business while still at the top. Within weeks of this announcement, Dick became President of Paris Collections, the business that owned the ready-to-wear collections of Chanel, Valentino and Yves St. Laurent in the United States. Following Paris Collections, Richard began the third phase of his career as an investment banker. He was a Senior Managing Director at D.H. Blair, where he took many young companies public, including a number of businesses that have grown to become valued at well over a billion dollars. After many years with D.H. Blair, he founded Brenner & Johns, a boutique investment banking firm. In his later years, Richard was a successful personal investor. Richard was always very involved in his community. While in New York City, he served for 22 years on the Board of Trustees of Central Synagogue. In 2003, the Duke and Eleanor decided to dedicate themselves to changing the lives of at-risk children and teens in Santa Fe and Pojoaque, New Mexico. They created First Serve - New Mexico, a non-profit charitable corporation. This four-day-a-week after-school program provides intensive academic tutoring and concentrated professional tennis instruction. Its core goal is to encourage students to identify themselves as special human beings with the opportunity for success and greatness in their lives through determination, diligence and hard work. First Serve - New Mexico has dramatically improved the lives of hundreds of young people in the Santa Fe area. The great loves of Dick's life were Eleanor, his wife of 56 years, their two children, Tony and Patty, and their four grandchildren, Patty's sons Christopher and Jake, and Tony's sons Alex and Max. He traveled extensively with Eleanor and later with Tony and Patty as well, and was a devoted and loving family man who sought to teach his children and grandchildren the value of honesty, integrity, kindness, and hard work. Dick found Santa Fe to be a remarkable community and felt blessed to be an integral part of it. He spent many happy hours at the Las Campanas Country Club, where he was an avid swimmer, and at Hacienda de la Vida, the home in the mountains he built with his beloved Eleanor. He could often be found checking stock prices on his computer in his home office, entertaining friends at one of the many fabulous parties he and Eleanor hosted over the years, or watching movies or sports in the bright downstairs sun room they built in 2006, usually in the company of his loyal dogs, Kelly and Midas (and before them, Lady, to whom he was devoted). The Duke always said of his life in Santa Fe, "I love the sky, the mountains, and best of all the people." The feeling was mutual. Dick was respected and loved by his many dear friends and acquaintances. He will be deeply missed. Dick is survived by Eleanor, his wife and true love, his daughter, Patricia Brenner Jackson and her husband, Mark Jackson, his son, Anthony Pir Brenner, and his partner, Maddie Halverson Schryer, and his four grandchildren, Christopher and Jacob Jackson, and Alexander and Maxwell Brenner. He is also survived by his two brothers, Terrill and Howard Brenner. Memorial services will be held at Temple Beit Tikva, 2230 Old Pecos Trail, on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Published on: Sat April 20, 2013
JOHN R. VIGIL Age 56 of Espanola --
, NM was called home to the Lord on April 14, 2013. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo; his children Jonathan (Abby), Jolyne (Jay), Eric (Sarah) and Jessie Calabaza; four grandchildren he adored; Lorenzo, Annjolie, Graciella and Jonathan; parents Mary and Raymond Vigil, siblings Anthony (Liz), Ray Jr. (Laura), Bertha Sandoval (Tony), and Debbie Sandoval (Henry); many other family members and friends. John served in the Marine Corps and retired from the Army National Guard and from government public service. John had an impact on everyone he met and truly enjoyed life. He had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Recitation of the Rosary will be on Tuesday April 16, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Espanola, with interment at The Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 a.m., with military honors. Serving as pallbearers are Dave Gonzales, Phil Garcia, Mark Gonzales, Gabe Grace, Jessie Maes and Joe Maes. Honorary pallbearers are Joseph Baros, Henry Sandoval, Chris Ortega and Alfred Trujillo. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home (505) 753-2288. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com
Published on: Tue April 16, 2013