Obituaries

MARY ELIZABETH LINDBERG April 2, 1941 – Dec. 25, 2025

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.” Mary Elizabeth Lindberg (née Bergerson) died at home in Los Alamos, surrounded by her family on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, following a six-year journey with pancreatic cancer, which she met with her trademark defiance, humor, courage, and indomitable spirit.

Mary did not fit, and never tried to. She was a mother and a wife, yes—but also a contrarian who relished debate and treated disagreement as a form of play (and, often, a form of proof). She traveled. She dreamed. She Read More

FERMIN ROMERO Sr. Dec. 15, 2025

Fermin Romero Sr. 88, of Ojo Caliente, NM, passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Fermin is survived by his wife Virginia Romero and five children, Stella, Cathy, Terri, Jeanette, and Fermin Jr. many grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Fermin worked for the Zia Company and Los Alamos National Laboratory for many years, with janitorial services.

He enjoyed his many animals on his ranch and going to the casinos with family. He had a passion for music and singing with many different bands.

He had a magnetic personality and loved socializing. Read More

JOHN WILLIAM BLAYLOCK April 10, 1947 – Dec. 19, 2025

John William Blaylock, 78, went to be with his Savior Dec. 19, 2025, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

John was born April 10, 1947, in Miami, Florida, to Esther and John Blaylock. From an early age, he possessed a deep curiosity about the world that shaped the course of his life. His life was rich with adventure – piloting small planes in the Florida Keys, ocean freediving, shooting BB guns as a child in Washington, operating construction equipment in New York, and several cross-country road trips in a VW Beetle. In all of his pursuits, Read More

MELVENA BAILEY May 14, 1930 – Dec. 6, 2025

Melvena Bailey ended her journey on this earth at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. She was 95 years young. Melvena was born and raised in Leesville, LA. She graduated from a nearby high school in 1947, where she participated in basketball and was well liked.

After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Milton Glenn Bailey, a US Marine sergeant, in July 1947. From that day on they took part in a 78-year adventure that included moving to Los Alamos, having children and working at LANL and LA County. After the birth of her children, Melvena worked as an accountant Read More

JOE ELFEGO GONZALES April 18, 1932 – Dec. 2, 2025

Beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Joe Elfego Gonzales, passed from this world to be with our Lord after 93 years, on December 2, 2025, after a long and devoted life marked by love of family, friendship, faith, and service to his country.

Born on April 18, 1932, to Sabino and Maria Gonzales in Glorieta, NM. He married Enriqueta “Queta” Chavez, and they enjoyed a loving marriage for 59 years before Queta’s passing in 2015.

A proud veteran, Joe served honorably in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Read More

TESSA JANE LOPEZ Feb. 10, 2025 – Dec. 20, 1993

Our family remains deeply saddened by the loss of Tessa Jane Lopez, who passed away in February 10, 2025. She was born on December 20, 1993.

Though Tessa may be gone from our sight, she is never truly gone from our hearts. It is difficult to forget someone who was loved as deeply as she was. Her family, and especially her son, Truitt, think of her every day. Our memories of her—from a sweet child to the woman she became—will never fade.

Tessa cherished her friends, and her family was everything to her. She had a heart full of love, always eager to give, to laugh, Read More

HARRY DREICER Oct. 6, 1927 – Dec. 5, 2025

Harry Dreicer, 98, controlled thermonuclear fusion researcher and plasma physicist, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025, in Santa Fe, NM.

His parents, Efim and Genia Drejcer, were Russian Jews who fled the Bolshevik Revolution and made their way to Germany where he was born on October 6, 1927. At the age of ten in 1938, he and the family fled to Italy. By 1939 they had managed to settle in the USA. He became a US citizen on July 10, 1946, his entire family having been stateless since 1922.

Harry married Roberta Jean Waldman on July 30, 1950 (divorced Read More

STEFANI KATHERINE CZUCHLEWSKI Feb. 6, 1944 – Dec. 10, 2025

Stefani Katherine Czuchlewski (“Stef”) was born Feb. 6, 1944, in the Washington, DC, area, where her father was engaged in chemical research in support of the Manhattan Project. The family moved to locations in New Jersey and Staten Island before settling in Vestal, NY, in the late 50’s. Stef graduated from Vestal HS in 1961 and began study at Harpur College (now SUNY Binghamton), from which she received a BA in Classics in 1965.

Stefani entered Yale University to pursue work toward a unique MAT degree which Read More

JEANNENE MATTINGLY HANSON Jan. 9, 1936 – Nov. 16, 2025

Jeannene Mattingly Hanson, 89, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on November 16, 2025. She was born on January 9, 1936, in a farmhouse near Portland, Kansas to Ruther Meder Mattingly and Ena Mae Lott Mattingly. After graduating from high school in Caldwell, Kansas, she dropped her given first name, Treva, in favor of her middle name, Jeannene, and began taking classes at the University of Kansas.

Jeannene married Robert H. Masterson in 1956 and accompanied him to Munich for his Fulbright scholarship. She later became the devoted mother Read More

STEFANI CZUCHLEWSKI Feb. 6, 1944 – Dec. 10, 2025

Stefani Czuchlewski, age 81, passed away on December 10, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was born on February 6, 1944, and spent most of her adult life in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a eulogy to begin at 10:40 a.m., at the Church of the Incarnation Catholic Church, 2309 Monterrey Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144, with a reception to follow.

Please visit our online guestbook for Stefani at www.FrenchFunerals.com. Read More

DORY RYAN Sept. 12, 1960 – Dec. 5, 2025

Dory Ryan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Sept. 12, 1960, Dory left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Following her graduation from New Mexico State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, she joined the Environmental, Safety and Health Division at LANL. After 30 years at LANL, Dory embarked on a life filled with gardening, hiking (completing Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim across the Grand Canyon for her 60th birthday), traveling, cooking, Read More

REID ZIRKLE Oct. 5, 1945 – Dec. 8, 2025

Reid was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Ira and Ruth Zirkle.

He graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology before moving to New Mexico in 1967, when Los Alamos National Laboratory recruited him as a draftsman to work on classified drawings. Reid spent most of his LANL career as an Area Coordinator at various lab facilities, retiring with 38 years of service.

Reid grew up hunting and fishing: passions he carried with him throughout his life. He especially enjoyed duck and quail hunting throughout New Mexico. After retiring, he and his wife purchased an Read More

PETER MANVILLE WARD 1939 – Nov. 14, 2025

Peter Manville Ward, 86, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed peacefully on November 14, 2025. He was under the care of the hospice unit at the New Mexico Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Albuquerque, NM after complications from a fall.

Peter was born in Inglewood, California in 1939 to Virginia and Winston Ward. He volunteered for the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. After four years, he presented his honorable discharge papers, his G.I. bill education benefits, and himself at the steps of the University of New Mexico. He subsequently Read More

DORY RYAN Sept. 12, 1960 – Dec. 5, 2025

Dory Ryan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 12, 1960, Dory left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Following her graduation from New Mexico State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, she joined the Environmental, Safety and Health Division at LANL. After 30 years at LANL, Dory embarked on a life filled with gardening, hiking (completing Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim across the Grand Canyon for her 60th birthday), traveling, Read More

LEONORA ‘LEO’ TRUJILLO Aug. 17, 1947 – Dec. 10, 2025

Leonora “Leo” Trujillo was born on August 17, 1947, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and peacefully passed away there on December 10, 2025. For 27 years, she made her home in Los Alamos, where she built lasting friendships and a meaningful career, before moving to Santa Fe, a place where her spirit was inseparable from the landscape, traditions, and beauty she ultimately called home.

Leo was a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where she began her professional journey as a Dental Hygienist. Her intellectual curiosity later led her to continue Read More

ERNESTO V. BURCIAGA Jan. 26, 1946 – Dec. 4, 2025

Ernesto V. Burciaga, the eldest of the six children of Lorenzo R. Burciaga and Maxine T. Burciaga (nee Van Sloun) passed away Dec 4, 2025 following a lengthy battle with dementia.

In addition to being predeceased by his parents, his sister Ann C. Johnson and brother Timothy V. Burciaga, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Cecilia, who passed away earlier this year.

Ernesto, also known as Ernie and Neto, was born Jan. 26, 1946 in Santa Fe, NM. His family moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1955. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1964 lettering Read More

VIRGINIA LEE KACHELMEIER June 7, 1948 – Oct. 23, 2025

Virginia Lee Kachelmeier, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully Oct. 23, 2025, at Arden Courts in San Antonio, Texas. She was 77.

Born on June 7, 1948, in Raton, New Mexico, Virginia was the cherished daughter of Roy and Marie Butt, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Raton High School and was one of six siblings-David (deceased), Bobby (deceased), Larry, Jimmy, and Lori-each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Virginia’s life changed forever one snowy night when a fierce storm Read More

WALTER WRIGHT Oct. 26, 1941 – Dec. 2, 2025

Walter Wright, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Dec. 2, 2025. Walter was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont Oct. 26, 1941 to Leland Fuller Wright and Thelma (Staniszewski) Wright.

Growing up on the Connecticut River, he attended Bellows Falls High School and graduated in 1959. Overcome with a sense of service and willingness to give back to his country during the Cold War Era, Walter joined the US Air Force in 1960. He specialized in Weapons Control and System Maintenance at Lowry AFB in Colorado from February to Read More

LARRY LEE MARR June 5, 1952 – Nov. 24, 2025

Larry Lee Marr, 73, of Los Alamos, N.M., began his next journey on Monday, November 24, 2025, after a short hospital stay in Albuquerque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Marr.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Marr, and son, Tyler Marr.

Known by the nickname “Hawg” by many of his longtime friends and co-workers, Larry first  retired from the New Mexico Air National Guard after 25 years of service, before retiring from the Los Alamos National Laboratory Hazmat Division. He always found ways to bring a little humor to his workplace Read More

RICHARD CYRIL STUPKA Oct. 25, 1948

Richard Cyril Stupka (“Rick,” as he preferred to be called), was born the first of a set of fraternal twins (Robin Gail) Oct. 25, 1948. He was raised one of four children (Ronald and Marilynn) on the south side of Chicago to parents Cyril A. and Edith V. Stupka. He attended Catholic School for twelve years and his high school was Mount Carmel, one of the foremost schools in the United States. He attended Northern Illinois University for his B.S. in Biology (Chemistry) and M.S. in Vertebrate Ecology.

In high school he demonstrated an aptitude for science and history, Read More

ANN DURNO SHAFER Oct. 11, 1939 – Nov. 10, 2025

Ann Durno Shafer, a longtime resident of Los Alamos, passed away on November 10, 2025, of complications after a fall. She was an active member and supporter of local and New Mexico state organizations during her time in New Mexico.

Ann was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. She earned her BA from Brown University in 1961; her M.Ed from Boston University; and a MSW from George Williams College. She married her husband, Robert Shafer in Boston, MA in 1968. They lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Glen Ellyn, Read More

MARILYN STEVENS 1933 – Nov. 30, 2025

Marilyn Stevens passed away peacefully at her home in Los Alamos on Sunday morning, Nov. 30, surrounded by her loving children and faithful dog.

Marilyn Watkins was born in Minneapolis, MN., in 1933. When she was five, her family moved to a farm outside Carlton, MN (about halfway between Duluth and Lake Wobegone), where she grew up. Many of Marilyn’s family stories and memories were centered there. Marilyn was the youngest of 6 children and grew up during World War II. Her oldest brother, Harold, served in the war, and was killed in Italy in 1943.

Marilyn was a very Read More

JOAN LOUISE FARMER KIM June 28, 1937 – Nov. 22, 2025

Joan Louise Farmer Kim, age 88, beloved wife, mother and grandmother of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her parents James Roy and Ana Linda Farmer, sister Helen Book, brother James Farmer, Father-in-law Chae Suk Kim, Mother-in-law Yuen Hee Chung, Sisters-in-law Dr. Soon Ock Kim, Soon Ki Kim, Soon Cha Kim, Yoo Syun Kim, and brother-in-law Young Chull Kim.

Joan was born on June 28, 1937, in Rausas, Missouri to James Roy and Ana Linda Farmer. Joan was the eldest of five Read More

MARGARET FLAUGH May 9, 1937 – Nov. 3, 2025

Margaret Flaugh born May 9, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Beulah and Leonard Sherman, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She will be greatly missed.

Margaret met the love of her life, Harry Flaugh, in elementary school, and the two began dating in high school. They married in 1956 while attending Iowa State University and moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1961. They shared nearly 67 wonderful years together until Harry’s passing in 2024. Their love for each other was the foundation of a rich life filled with adventure, Read More

ELIAS JOSIAH TIBERI April 6, 2004 – Nov. 15, 2025

Elias Josiah Tiberi, 21, passed away tragically Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Espanola, NM. Elias was a bright and creative soul whose passion for music, skateboarding, and cars, his loyalty to his friends, and infectious energy will be sadly missed.

Born April 6, 2004, in Uniontown, PA, Elias came into this world with a smile that could melt your heart.

He devoted countless hours to skateboarding and creating music, producing a stream of songs that flowed straight from his heart. His music captured his genuine, unfiltered, raw and often humorous Read More

JOSEPH ARCENIO DESGEORGES JR.  Nov. 7, 2025

Beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed from this world Nov. 7, 2025, after a long and devoted life marked by love of family and service to his country. Joseph passed away exactly nine months to the day after the death of his wife of 68 years, Mary Katherine DesGeorges.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, five granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. He leaves behind sons Joseph A. DesGeorges III (Janet) and John David DesGeorges; daughter Anne Louise (DesGeorges) Sanchez (Roy Sanchez); granddaughters Read More

ROBERT NEAL COLYER Aug. 1, 1951 – Nov. 13, 2025

Neal Colyer, age 74, passed peacefully in his home in Westmont, Pennsylvania on November 13, 2025.

Neal Colyer, beloved son of Harvey and Mildred (Stone) Colyer of Leary, Texas, was born on August 1, 1951, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1970, where he was a proud member of the choir and the football team.

Neal served his country in the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer, was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #412 in Farmington, New Mexico, and later attended the Police Academy where Read More

JESSICA LEEANN MARTINEZ April 30, 1990 – Nov. 10, 2025

Jessica Leeann Joyce Juanita Martinez (Chef Jessica), 35, was born and raised in Española, NM, and attended high school at Española Valley High and went on to attend Santa Fe Community College and studied Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management.

As a teenager, Jessica was in 4-H and a member of the Hillbillies Club, where she entered character cakes, jams and pies at the County Fair and went on to compete at the NM State Fair and won a savings bond. She created so many special shaped cakes, her talent was amazing.

Jessica loved the outdoors Read More

CATHLEEN MARIN Aug. 24, 1960 – Nov. 6, 2025

Cathleen Marin, age 65, a resident of Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, in Santa Fe. Born on August 24, 1960, in Montgomery County (Norris town), Pennsylvania.

Cathleen was preceded in death by her mother, father, and older brother. She is survived by her husband, Jon.

Cathleen was a delightful person. She was witty, funny, sweet, and very well-read. Among her proudest achievements was loving and caring for six Irish Wolfhounds, from playful puppies to gentle-giant adults. Cathleen’s ashes will be combined with theirs and Read More

THOMAS EARL ‘TOM’ MOXLEY III Aug. 12, 1977 – Oct. 16, 2025

Thomas Earl “Tom” Moxley III, age 48, of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. He was born on August 12, 1977, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Tom will be remembered for his generous heart, quick wit, and unmistakable sense of humor. His intelligence, dedication, and caring nature touched all who knew him and will be deeply missed. Above all, he will be remembered for the deep and unwavering love he held for his daughter, Zoe.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Zoe Elizabeth Moxley (7); his sister, Read More

WARD L. HAWKINS May 1, 1951 – Nov. 8, 2025

Ward L. Hawkins, 74, a native Nevadan of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully Nov. 8, 2025.

Ward was born May 1, 1951, in Reno, Nevada, to Ralston Oliver and Romietta Ward Hawkins. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside his three brothers. It was also in Las Vegas that he met his lovely wife, Karen Cooper, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and adventure.

Ward graduated from St. Anne Grade School, Bishop Gorman High School, and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology.

His work took him and his family to Los Read More

OLIN VAN DYCK April 2, 1939 – Nov. 5, 2025

Olin van Dyck was born on April 2, 1939, and passed away on November 5, 2025. A man of intelligence and charm, Olin lived a fulfilling life, touching many with his kindness and love.

Olin is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda van Dyck, their two children, Christopher van Dyck (Patty) and Stephanie Nakhleh (Charlie), and his cherished grandchildren, Emily Flores (Gabe), Julia Nakhleh (Juanmi Martinez), Eric van Dyck, and Aidan Nakhleh, Great-granddaughter, Karine, and sister, Sara Chesluk.

Educated at Amherst College, Olin earned his Bachelor’s Read More

STANLEY MOORE Sept. 23, 1928 – Sept. 16, 2025

Stanley Moore, born September 23, 1928, in Hays, Kansas, passed peacefully on September 16, 2025, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, just shy of his 97th birthday. A devoted family man, decorated veteran, and lifelong outdoorsman, Stanley lived a full and purposeful life marked by resilience, curiosity, and quiet strength.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in Korea in the 25th Infantry Division. He was recognized with a Bronze Medal in recognition of his courage and commitment to duty. He married Carol Munson in 1950 while serving. Read More

JEANNETTE ALICE HOLMES RICH Jan. 19, 1932 – Oct. 30, 2025

“Life should be fabulous and fantastic.” – Jeannette Rich

Jeannette Alice Holmes Rich, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on October 30, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in the home of her son Michael and daughter-in-law Cindy, where family gathered to connect and say goodbye. She was 93 years old, almost 94.

Born on January 19, 1932, in Sacramento, California, the daughter of Blanche and Floyd Holmes, Jeannette grew up in the Sacramento Delta town of Rio Vista. Jeannette went on to study History Read More

TIMOTHY LOUIS SCHAEFER Nov. 8, 1956 – Oct. 1, 2025

Timothy Louis Schaefer passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2025, at the age of 68. Though his passing came too soon, his family finds comfort in the many memories he leaves behind.

Born to Joseph and Harriet (Fleming) Schaefer on November 8, 1956, Tim grew up in New Rockford, North Dakota, and graduated from New Rockford High School. After several years farming with his family, he pursued a degree in Physics Engineering from North Dakota State University. His education led to a career with Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

At LANL, Read More