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Most Reverend Francisco Gonzalez Valer, S.F.
Most Reverend Francisco Gonzalez Valer, S.F., 84, passed away on March 4 in Spain.
He was ordained on May 1, 1964, for the Sons of the Holy Family. He served as assistant pastor and pastor at Holy Cross in Santa Cruz from 1976 - 1981.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Most Reverend Francisco Gonzalez Valer, S.F., and for his family and friends.
Deacon Gregorio Henderson
Deacon Gregorio Henderson, father of Rev. Agustin Henderson, pastor of Holy Family/St. Joseph in Roy and Santa Clara in Wagon Mound and its missions, passed away on January 18, 2024 at the age of 66 in Tucson, AZ.
Deacon Henderson was ordained a deacon on July 12, 2003. He served at San Jose in Albuquerque, was a member of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council at Santuario de San Martin de Porres in Albuquerque, and served in the Diocese of Tucson.
Sr. Juanita Marie Gonzales, SC
Sr. Juanita Marie Gonzales, S.C., 85, beloved member of the Sisters of Charity, passed away on December 29, 2023. She was preceded in death by her sisters Dolores Gutierrez, Angela Sanches, Teresa Ojinage, and Maria Gonzales; brothers Felipe, Luis, and Enrique Gonzales, and is survived by sisters Anna Espinoza and Rufugia Rodriguez, brothers Antonio, Fidencio, Xavier, and Moises Gonzales, as well as nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity Community. Sr. Juanita served as a catechetical leader in San Isidro in the Santa Fe Deanery.
Reverend Ronald Stone
Fr. Ronald Stone passed away at the age of 69 on Dec. 8, 2023 in the Diocese of Knoxville. Fr. Stone was ordained on June 2, 2001, and served as parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas in Rio Rancho, as pastor at Holy Trinity in Arroyo Seco, as pastor at St. Alice in Mountainair, in Hospital Ministry, as pastor at San Miguel del Vado in Ribera, as canonical pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Villanueva, as a confessor for Handmaids of the Precious Blood, as pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Villanueva, and he had been serving in the Diocese of Knoxville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. Interment will follow at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe. To live-stream the Funeral Mass, click here.
Deacon Eli Luis Casaus
Deacon Luis Eli Casaus, 87, passed away on Nov. 15, 2023. Deacon Luis served in parishes in Las Vegas and Albuquerque. He was a faithful and devout Catholic, attending Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church. A creative artisan, he enjoyed wood carving. Other hobbies included gardening, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. Luis appreciated special friendships with many groups, including Alzheimer's support, carving classes, and church/deacon affiliations.
Sr. Marlene Kuhnlein, OP
Sr. Marlene Kuhnlein, formerly known as Sr. Anthony Irene, died on Oct. 28, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, MI. She was 89 and in the 72nd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sr. Marlene was born in Chicago, IL, graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Adrian, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, a Master of Education degree from DePaul University in Chicago, and a Master of Social Work degree in clinical social work from Barry College (University) in Miami Shores, FL. Sister served the Congregation as secretary for the Southwest Chapter Office from 1989-93 in Albuquerque, NM, and Mesa, AZ.
Reverend James Vance
Fr. James Vance passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 84 in Albuquerque. The Most Rev. Edwin Vincent Byrne ordained him to the priesthood on May 25, 1963, at St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe. As an assistant, he served in the parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption in Albuquerque, Santa Rita in Carrizozo, Our Lady of Sorrows in Bernalillo, Cristo Rey, and St. John the Baptist, both in Santa Fe. He was pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Maxwell, St. Anthony in Questa, Immaculate Conception in Cimarron, St. Anne in Tucumcari, St. Francis Xavier in Clayton, St. Joseph in Raton, San Martin de Porres in Albuquerque and San Ysidro in Corrales. He served as the dean of the northeast deanery from 1984 to 1992.
Sister Nancy Kazik, OFM
Born to Eternal Life May 12, 2023, age 87. Survivors include the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi,
with whom she shared life for nearly 70 years. Born in Milwaukee, WI, Sr. Nancy served in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe from 1988-2005 as executive director of Pastoral Ministries and vicar for religious; editor for the archdiocesan newspaper, People of God; vice-chancellor for the archdiocese; and religious case manager for sexual abuse cases and outreach to victims. In retirement, she served on boards, committees, and as a consultant.
Father Joseph Vanderholt, SJ
Fr. Joseph M. Vanderholt, SJ, died May 6, 2023, in Land O’Lakes, FL. He was 85 years old, a
Jesuit for 67 years, and a priest for 54 years.
He is remembered by his Jesuit brothers as a priest of humble demeanor and a kind and gentle confessor. His longest assignment was at Immaculate Conception Parish in Albuquerque from 2001 to 2021. In 2021, he began his final assignment as a pastoral minister at Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL.
Reverend George Salazar
Fr. George Salazar passed away on April 26, 2023. Fr. George was ordained on May 13, 1967. He served as assistant pastor and administer pro-tem at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe, as assistant director of Youth Office at the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, as pastor at Holy Trinity in Arroyo Seco, as a member of the College of Consultors, as pastor at San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque, as director and chaplain of the Committee for Marriage Encounter and Marriage Enrichment for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, as pastor pro tem at St. Alice in Mountainair, as pastor at St. John the Baptist in Santa Fe, as pastor at Immaculate Conception in Las Vegas, as Dean of the Northwest Deanery, as a member of the personnel board, as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Taos and San Geronimo Mission in Taos Pueblo, as archdiocesan spiritual director for Cursillo Movement, as canonical pastor at San Jose in Anton Chico, and he was the spiritual director for Los Hermanos Cruzados.
Reverend Edward Okpu
Fr. Edward Okpu, 48, passed away April 4, 2023, in Albuquerque. Fr. Okpu was ordained on July 23, 201I for the Diocese of Bomadi in Nigeria. He served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Fatima in Albuquerque.
Reverend Francis E. Renfroe, SJ
Fr. Francis E. Renfroe, SJ, died Feb. 4, 2023, in Grand Coteau, La. He was 90 years old, a Jesuit for 67 years and a priest for 54 years.
Fr. Renfroe attended Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, graduating in 1949, before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1953 – 1955. Feeling called to religious life, he entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) on Sept. 19, 1955, at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau. He served as the pastor of Immaculate Conception in Albuquerque.
In 1980, Fr. Renfroe accepted a missionary assignment at Parroquia Nazareth in Asunción, Paraguay. This was followed by similar assignments in Posadas, Argentina (1981-83), where he was also the Jesuit superior, and Villa Cristina in Asunción, where he again served as Jesuit superior. He returned to Immaculate Conception, where he served from 1991 to 2000.
Deacon Juan "Andy" Dimas
Deacon Andy Dimas passed away on January 19, 2023, at the age of 77. Deacon Dimas was ordained a deacon on July 12, 2003, and served at St. Anne Parish in Santa Fe. He was the chaplain at the N.M. State Penitentiary for five years. He continued to work with the prison after he retired from the N.M. State Penitentiary.
Deacon John Russo
Deacon John Russo passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022, at the age of 76. Deacon Russo was ordained a deacon on June 7, 1987. He served at Saint John XXIII Catholic Community in Albuquerque.
Deacon P. Louis Montoya
Deacon P. Louis Montoya passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at the age of 84. Deacon Montoya was ordained a deacon on May 20, 1978. He served at St. Francis Xavier in Clayton and served as chaplain at the prison facility in Clayton.
Reverend Tin Manh Bui
Reverend Tin Manh Bui passed away at the age of 76 on Friday, October 28, 2022, in Albuquerque, NM. Rev. Bui was ordained on April 15, 1975, for the Diocese of Long Xuyen, a Suffragan Diocese of Saigon. He served as parochial vicar, administrator, and pastor at Our Lady of Lavang in Albuquerque.
Sister Mary Catherine Nolan
, OP
Sr. Mary Catherine Nolan, formerly known as Sr. John David, died on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 89 years of age and in the 70th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister ministered in Albuquerque at the House of Hospitality from 1999-2002.
Deacon Kenneth Trujillo
Deacon Kenneth Trujillo passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the age of 77. Deacon Trujillo was ordained on June 16, 2007, and served at Santuario de San Martin de Porres in Albuquerque.
Sr. Barbara Ann Mason, OP
Sr. Barbara Ann Mason, formerly known as Sr. Augustine Mary, died on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 89 years of age and in the 72nd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister spent 48 years in education in Oakland, Oceanside, La Jolla, and San Diego, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Detroit, Michigan. Sister ministered in New Mexico for two years at Sacred Heart as an elementary teacher in Albuquerque from 1952-54.
Reverend Augustine John Moore, Ph.D.
Reverend Augustine John Moore was ordained on May 28, 1960, for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He served as Secretary to the Archbishop, as chaplain of Loretto and instructor in English and religion, as assistant pastor of Cristo Rey in Santa Fe, as assistant pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas, as chaplain of New Mexico State Hospital and Meadow's Home for the Aged in Las Vegas, as a teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows School in Las Vegas, administrator of Our Lady of Sorrows in La Joya, as administrator of San Juan in El Rito, as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Manzano, as pastor of St. Alice in Mountainair, as pastor of St. Joseph in Raton, as pastor of Holy Ghost in Albuquerque, as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Gulf in Gulf Shore, AL, as administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pojoaque, and as pastor of Sacred Heart in Espanola.
Deacon Alfred Edwin Esquibel
Deacon Alfred Edwin Esquibel passed away on May 4, 2022, at the age of 75. Edwin was born and raised in Belen along with his seven brothers and parents. He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Kathy Sisneros Esquibel, beloved children, grandchildren, and other family. In 1993, Edwin was ordained a deacon for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. In his lifetime, Edwin wore many hats and held many positions, but his greatest love was to serve his family, friends, and community.
Reverend James Suntum, SF
Reverend James Suntum, SF, parochial vicar of Holy Family in Chimayo, ended his earthly pilgrimage on May 2, 2022.
He spent his last active years serving at Holy Family Parish and Santuario de Chimayo. As a young priest, he served at Holy Cross Parish, in Santa Cruz de la Cañada.
Reverend Hilaire Valiquette, O.F.M.
Reverend Hilaire Valiquette, O.F.M. passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 in Albuquerque, NM.
Fr. Valiquette was ordained on June 3, 1964, for the Franciscan Order. He served as Pastor at San Juan Mission in Jemez Pueblo, as Parochial Vicar and Pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pena Blanca, as a member of the Archdiocesan Ecumenical Commission, and as Pastor at St. Augustine in Isleta.
Reverend John Conway
Reverend John Roger Conway passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, January 28, 2022 in Albuquerque, NM.
Fr. Conway was ordained on May 31, 1969 for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Annunciation in Albuquerque, as Associate Spiritual Director for St. Vincent de Paul, as Parochial Vicar for Cristo Rey in Santa Fe, as Parochial Vicar for St. Bernadette in Albuquerque, as Parochial Vicar for Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Alamos, as Pastor for St. Francis Xavier in Clayton, as Director for Permanent Diaconate Program, as Parochial Vicar for Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Albuquerque, as Pastor Pro Tem at St. Alice in Mountainair, as Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Alamos, as Judge for the Court of Appeals, as Adminstrator Pro Tem for San Clemente in Los Lunas, as Pastor for Holy Child in Tijeras, as Pastor for St. Jude Thaddeus in Albuquerque, and as Defender of the Bond.
Deacon Andrew "Andy" Lopez
Deacon Andrew "Andy" Lopez, age 56, died peacefully on December 27, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones. Andy Lee Lopez was born on May 29, 1965 in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Andres Lopez and Emma Lopez-Sandoval. He is survived by wife Rose, of 25 years, beloved son Robert, Gene, Grandma Jenny, uncles, aunts, cousins, godchildren, and many friends.
Deacon Andy was ordained to the permanent diaconate by Archbishop John C. Wester on June 16, 2018. Deacon Andy was a catechist at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was involved with the Penitentes, Knights of Columbus, Caballeros de Vargas (2011 Don Diego de Vargas).
Deacon Juan Miguel Rodriguez
Deacon Juan Miguel Rodriguez, age 91, died peacefully at home on December 19, 2021. He was born on May 15, 1930 in Santa Fe, NM to Isabelita and Juan Rodriguez y Moya. Juan and Marie Pacheco were married on December 26, 1959 in Maxwell, NM. On July 27, 1976, in Maxwell, NM, Juan was ordained to the permanent diaconate by Archbishop Robert F. Sanchez.
Juan was a faithful and loving son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and tio. Deacon Juan's profound and deep faith sustained him throughout his long life where he was surrounded by people he loved and who loved him.
Reverend Joseph Vigil
Reverend Joseph Vigil, passed away at the age of 69, on Friday, December 3, 2021, in Albuquerque, NM.
Fr. Vigil was ordained on June 21, 1980. He served as assistant pastor at St. John the Baptist in Santa Fe, as a full-time administrator at St. Anthony in Questa, as pastor at San Antonio de Padua in Peñasco, as pastor at Holy Ghost in Albuquerque, as pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Albuquerque, and as chaplain for the Knights of Columbus.
Reverend Gerald Steinmetz, O.F.M.
Reverend Gerald Steinmetz, O.F.M., passed away at the age of 78, on Sunday, October 17, 2021.
Fr. Steinmetz was ordained on June 12, 1971. He served as associate pastor at St. Teresa in Grants, as associate pastor at Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, vocations director for the Franciscans, as associate pastor at St. Francis in Gallup, as pastor at St. Teresa in Grants, as pastor at St. Francis in Juarez, Mexico, as pastor at St. Francis in Tierra Blanca, Peru, as pastor at San Diego Mission in Jemez Pueblo, and as pastor at Holy Family in Albuquerque.
Reverend Monsignor Anthony Bolman
Reverend Monsignor Anthony Bolman passed away at the age of 95, on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in Rio Rancho, NM.
Msgr. Bolman was ordained on May 28, 1960. He served as parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier in Albuquerque, as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Sorrows in Manzano, as administrator and pastor at Wagon Mound-Santa Clara, as pastor at St. Rita in Carrizozo, as pastor at St. Rose of Lima in Santa Rosa, a member on the Priest Personnel Board, as pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows in Bernalillo, as pastor at St. Anthony in Pecos, as pastor at St. Mary’s in Vaughn, as pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pojoaque, a member of the Board of Consultors, as pastor at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Albuquerque, as pastor at St. Joseph in Raton, as pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas in Rio Rancho, and as pastor at Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque.
In Msgr. Bolman’s own words:
“I wish to thank my parents, Anna and Henry—grandparents, Rose and Theodore, my family, relatives, friends and benefactors, all who have shared the gift of life with me; and all who supported me in my priestly vocation. Any and all debts owed to me are ‘paid in full.’ I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. In your charity, please pray for me.”
Reverend Jose Maria Blanch, S.F.
Reverend Jose Maria Blanch, S.F. passed away at the age of 93 on Sunday, June 27, 2021 in Chimayo, NM.
Fr. Blanch was ordained on March 4, 1951 for the Sons of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Barcelona, Spain. He served in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe since 1975 at Santa Cruz de la Canada Parish in Santa Cruz, at Sacred Heart Parish in Albuquerque, and at Holy Family Parish in Chimayo.
Sr. Patricia Powers, OP
Sr. Patricia Powers, OP, died June 5, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, WI. Her religious name was Sr. Jordan.
Sister Pat made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1944, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1947. In the field of education, she taught for 25 years, was principal for 12 years and tutored migrant workers for four years. Sr. Pat served in parish ministry for eight years, religious education for nine years, chaplain for two years, and support staff for 20 years. Sr. Pat offered a lifetime of steady and competent service in education and administration. She loved well and helped wherever needed. She served in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, California; Texas, Florida, and New Mexico.
In the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Sr. Pat served at St. Therese Parish, Albuquerque, as religious education aid, 1994-1999, and chaplain, 1997-1999.
Deacon William Hoefler
Deacon William Hoefler was ordained on June 19, 1976. Deacon Bill served at the Church of the Ascension when he retired in May 2017, serving 45 years. He was 86 years old.
Sr. Marian Edward Guethlein, OP
Sr. Marian Edward Guethlein, OP, died on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, MI. She was 86 years of age, and in the 69th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
She spent 36 years ministering in education in Rockwood, Michigan; Oakland, Santa Cruz and Lodi, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Flagstaff and Casa Grande, Arizona; and Henderson, Nevada; including serving as principal for seven years in Oakland and three years in Lodi. Sister served as a receptionist at the Dominican Motherhouse for eight years. She became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2001.
Sister ministered at Sacred Heart in Albuquerque from 1962-1967.
Deacon Harold Gallegos
Deacon Harold M. Gallegos, 63, of Los Brazos, NM passed away on June 1, 2021 at his home.
Deacon Harold was born on May 14, 1958 in Santa Fe, NM to Manuel and Susie Gallegos. Always strong in his faith, Harold was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. On June 21, 2014, he was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, NM. He served the San Jose and St. Patrick parishes in northern New Mexico for several years.
Reverend Graham Golden, O.Praem.
Reverend Graham Golden, O. Praem., 35, died in an automobile accident on May 21, 2021. Fr.
Graham was born to Dan and Deborah Golden on January 8, 1986, in Albuquerque. He was a proud graduate of St. Pius X High School (2004) and a magna cum laude graduate of the University of New Mexico with a BA in Music and Spanish (2008). He entered the Norbertine Community of Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in 2008. After his two-year novitiate, he attended Catholic Theological Union and the University of Chicago where he received a Master’s Degree from each school.In 2015 he was ordained a Catholic priest. Fr. Graham entered the Norbertine Community with a desire to serve the poor and marginalized. Already as a seminarian, he served as an intern for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The Campaign works to address the plague of poverty. After ordination, Fr. Graham worked with The Catholic Foundation as a Regional Council Coordinator to assess the needs of rural communities, particularly in Northern New Mexico. Subsequently, he served as associate and then pastor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community (2018), and most recently became pastor of St. Augustine Parish at Isleta Pueblo. Fr. Graham was also the archdiocesan coordinator for the annual Pilgrimage for Vocations.
At Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey he had multiple responsibilities: vocation director, formation director for seminarians, founder of the Office of Christian Discipleship and Religious Vocation, as well as initiator of the annual Art at the Abbey Exhibition.
Fr. Graham is survived by his parents, Dan and Deborah Golden, his sister Aiyuan and nephew Qiao Rong, and his Norbertine Brothers and Sisters.
Sr. Mary Kay Moran, OP
Sr. Mary Kay Moran, formerly known as Sr. William Mary, died on Monday, April 12, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 81 years of age and in her 61st year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sr. Mary Kay was born in Toledo, OH, to William and Mary (Heitkamp) Moran.
Sister spent 47 years ministering in elementary and religious education. Sr. Mary Kay taught elementary school at St. Edward, ins Carlsbad from 1975-1976 and at Queen of Heaven in Albuquerque from 1976-1977.
Sr. Alfreda Malone, OSU
Sr. Alfreda Malone, 96, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died February 13, 2021, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 71st year of religious life. She was a native of Raywick, Ky.
Sr. Alfreda was a prayerful woman with unceasing energy to serve wherever she was needed.
She was a religious education secretary at St. Charles Borromeo School in Albuquerque from 1976-77. She also ministered in Kentucky.
Sr. Charlotte Francis Moser, OP
Sr. Charlotte Francis Moser, baptized Mary Irene Moser, died on Friday, January 22, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 86 years of age and in the 70th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister ministered for 47½ years in elementary education, religious education, and pastoral ministry in Elgin, Flossmoor and Calumet City, Illinois; Dearborn, Caro, Detroit and Munising, Michigan; Oakland, Lemon Grove, Victorville and Twentynine Palms, California; and Arroyo Seco and Los Lunas, New Mexico (Holy Trinity, Arroyo Seco. Religious Education Coordinator, 1992-1996; San Clemente Parish, Los Lunas, Catechetical Leadership, 1996-2002). Sister became a resident at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2009.
Sr. Esther Ortega, OP
Sr. Esther Ortega, formerly known as Sr. Consolata Marie Ortega, died on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at the ProMedica Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. She was 86 years of age and in the 65th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sr. Esther spent 14 years ministering in elementary and secondary education in Oak Lawn and Oak Park, Illinois; Tucumcari and Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Winslow, Arizona; and 34 years in pastoral ministry/adult education in Albuquerque and Chama, New Mexico, and El Paso and San Elizario, Texas. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2012.
Sister ministered in New Mexico for 13 years:
St. Ann, Tucumcari, Elementary Teacher, 1964-1966; Queen of Heaven, Albuquerque, Elementary Teacher, 1966-1969; Sacred Heart, Albuquerque, Parish Work, 1970-1971; St. Pius X, Albuquerque, High School Teacher, 1971-1972; Holy Rosary, Albuquerque, Religious Education Coordinator, 1972-1977; St. Patrick Parish, Chama, Parish Ministry, 1977-1978
Sr. Mary Elizabeth Scheibel, OP
Sr. Mary Elizabeth Scheibel, formerly known as Sr. Therese Johanna Scheibel, died on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 95 years of age and in the 77th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister spent 25 years ministering in elementary education in Detroit and Farmington, Michigan; Henderson, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico (Elementary teacher at Sacred Heart in Albuquerque from 1962-1963); and Flossmoor, Hometown and Chicago, Illinois. She also ministered for 20 years in secretarial services in Oak Brook and Lombard, Illinois. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2003.
Deacon Diego Herrera
Deacon Diego A. Herrera, a resident of Española, New Mexico formerly of Los Ancones, Diego was born June 20, 1929, and he gained his wings on January 5, 2021. He was preceded in death by the love of his life Edith G. Herrera. Diego was a retired educator for the Española Valley School district. He was ordained a deacon on May 30, 1987. His ministries of 25 years of deaconship allowed him to serve in his communities that he loves dearly.
Brother George Hetzel, FSC
Br. August George Hetzel, F.S.C., 83 resident of Santa Fe, NM passed away on December 30, 2020. He was born on November 13, 1937, in Abbeville, LA to Fannie Rembert Hetzel and August George Hetzel.
Brother George was a member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He had an M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota and a Ph. D. from New Mexico State University. He taught at Schools in Louisiana and was a Professor at College of Santa Fe, NM. He was retired in the Brothers' Community at St. Michael's High School.
Sr. Teresa Gurule, OP
Dominican Sister of Peace, Teresa Gurule, OP (81), a native of Los
Lunas, NM, died on December 22, 2020, at Sansbury Care Center, St. Catharine, KY. Sr. Teresa is survived by two brothers, Orlando Gurule and David Gurule, and several nieces and nephews.
A Dominican for 61 years, Sr. Teresa earned Certificates for Master Catechist and Pastoral Education. Sr. Teresa spent much of her religious life in retreat and parish work. She ministered in the retreat houses in Elkins Park, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Schenectady, NY and Albuquerque, NM. Sister assisted at the Loretto Residence Center in Dayton, OH. Later she ministered in parish ministry in San Felipe, NM; Queen of Heaven, NM; Holy Family, NM, and the Catholic Center in New Mexico where she worked in the education department assisting with the audio/visuals.
In 2014, Sr. Teresa moved to St. Catharine Motherhouse (St. Catharine, KY) where she provided community service. Then in 2017, she moved to Sansbury Care Center (St. Catharine, KY), where she began a ministry of prayer and presence.
Sr. Rosemary Keough, OSU
Sr. Rosemary Keough, OSU, 81, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died November 21, 2020, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, in her 63rd year of religious life. She was a native of Auburn, N.Y.
Sr. Rosemary was coordinator of religious education at St. Charles School, Albuquerque, from 1985-88. She also served in Kentucky, Nebraska and Chile.
Survivors include the members of her religious community; siblings Sara Scully and John Roger Keough, both of Shepherdsville, Ky., and Thomas Patrick Keough Jr., Westmont, Ill.
Deacon Charles (Charlie) Victor Johnson
Deacon Charlie Johnson passed peacefully into eternity at home early Thursday morning, October 29, 2020 at the age of 88. He led a life filled with faith, and he brought joy to all who knew him. He loved singing, playing the guitar, watching football, telling jokes, sharing his faith, and spending time with his family, friends, and especially with his grandchildren. He was born and raised in Alamogordo NM and after serving with the National Guard, he moved to Albuquerque where he met and married his wife Marcella Mondragón. Deacon Charlie was a Third Order Franciscan and a lifelong member of the Legion of Mary, which he also served as spiritual director for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe for several years. He was ordained to the Deaconate on June 7, 1987, serving at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church until he was assigned to San Ignacio Catholic Church as the Parish Life Coordinator from December 2004 through March of 2009, at which time he retired.
Deacon Juan G. Martinez
Deacon Juan G. Martinez, age, 76 a lifelong resident of Ribera, NM passed away on Monday, Oct. 26, 2020 at his home.
He was born on Sept. 19, 1944 to Procopio Martinez and Merejilda Padilla in Las Vegas, N.M.
Juan was a firefighter all over the U.S. in his earlier years. He was a cursillista in Cursillo #222 and he and Cecilia were also very dedicated to marriage enrichment for many years. He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing nickel and listening to New Mexico music with his family and friends. He retired from Glorieta Conference Center after 29 years of dedicated service. He was ordained as a deacon in 2003 and was a strong pillar in his community. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world.
Reverend Francis Malley
Reverend Francis Malley passed away at the age of 78 on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Rev. Malley was ordained on June 2, 2001 for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Fatima in Albuquerque, as pastor at San Miguel in Ribera, as canonical pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Villanueva, as dean of the Northeast Deanery, as dean of the Northwest Deanery, as pastor of San Francisco de Asis in Ranchos de Taos, and as pastor at St. Joseph in Cerrillos.
Sr. Edith Kathleen Zemke, OP
Sr. Edith Kathleen (Katie) Zemke, baptized Catherine Zemke, died on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, MI. She was 93 years of age and in the 73rd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister spent 33 years ministering in elementary and secondary education in Adrian, Detroit and Saginaw, MI. In Detroit, she was principal for eight years at St. Gabriel School, for 10 years at St. David School, and one year at St. Juliana School, and assistant principal for four years at St. Matthew School. Sister also ministered in education for five years in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois, and for two years in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was a manager for the Dominican High School Convent Complex in Detroit for 10 years. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan, in 2003.
Reverend Luis D. Jaramillo
Reverend Luis D. Jaramillo passed away at the age of 88 on Thursday, September 17, 2020 in Albuquerque.
Rev. Jaramillo was ordained on May 28, 1960 for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He served as parochial vicar at St. Rita in Carrizozo, as faculty for St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, as vice chancellor for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, as chaplain at St. Michael's High School in Santa Fe, as confessor for Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, as chaplain for New Mexico State Legislature, as pastor at San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque, as confessor for the Sisters of Charity, on the executive committee for the New Mexico Council of Churches, as promoter and coordinator for the Ministry of Christian Concern for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, as administrator then pastor at St. Anthony de Padua in Penasco, as pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Taos, as vocations director for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, as pastor at San Jose in Albuquerque, as pastor at Immaculate Conception in Las Vegas, as pastor of Assumption Church in Albuquerque, on the personnel board, Deanery B Representative, and temporary administrator at San Ysidro in Corrales.