Obituaries

CONRAD HENRY LONGMIRE Oct. 27, 1948 – Dec. 25, 2023

Henry Longmire of Newburyport, MA, passed away peacefully at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family, on December 25, 2023 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House.

Born in New York City on October 27, 1948 to Conrad and Theresa Longmire (née Izzo), Henry and his family relocated to Los Alamos, NM in 1949. Henry forever considered Los Alamos his home, having been raised in a community of scientists, whose curiosity sparked Henry’s own endless desire to learn. The second of seven siblings, Henry retained a constant, strong sense of family Read More

JOSEPH F. WATHEN Dec. 22, 2023

Joseph F. Wathen passed away on December 22, 2023, at 97 years old. 

Joe was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1926. At age seven, in the midst of the Great Depression, Joe’s family moved to a family farm in Hardin County, near Elizabethtown, KY. The farmhouse had no running water, electricity, or furnace, much like the nearby one-room schoolhouse that he attended.

Joe and his brothers learned the value of hard work and determination, by necessity. They worked the tobacco crop and tended the animals, all while excelling in their schoolwork and athletics.

In 1944 Joe Read More

DONALD EDWARD LANDRY April 18, 1936 – Nov. 21, 2023

Donald Edward Landry, 87, was born on April 18, 1936, in Garner, Massachusetts, and passed away on November 21, 2023, in Rio Rancho after a brief illness. He was the son of the late J. Omer and Irene Landry of Athol, Massachusetts.

After graduating from Athol High School in 1954, Don attended Norwich University for 3 years before he received his appointment to The United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1961 with a degree in civil engineering.

Don’s 20-year military career included a tour of Panama during the Panama Riots (1964) Read More

WILLIAM LEE MUDD April 12, 1931 – Dec. 17, 2023

An incredible man earned his wings with his loving family by his side on December 17, 2023.

William Lee Mudd was born on April 12, 1931, in Peoria, IL to Lela and William C. Mudd. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950 and served 3 years during the Korean conflict. He married his sweetheart, Joan E. Hoepfner, also from Peoria, upon his return to the US.

Bill earned his BS in physics, and the couple headed West. They arrived in Los Alamos in 1959 where he worked his entire career. He retired at 57, and he and Joan explored NM living in Albuquerque, Corrales and Conchas Read More

BLAIR MICHAEL ART Nov. 22, 2023 – Oct. 28, 1968

On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Blair Michael Art, father of three, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55. Blair was born on October 28, 1968, in Denver, CO to Jon and Susan Art. He received his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University, where he met his wife of 27 years, Kellie. The couple moved to Los Alamos, NM where they were married and went on to raise three children, Chandler, Cameron and Jon.

During his time in Los Alamos, he pursued and received his Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of New Mexico, alongside Read More

WILLIAM MARSH 1930 – Dec. 2, 2023

Bill was born in Quanah, TX in 1930 to Dewey and Augusta Marsh. The family lived in a number of Texas communities, and he graduated high school in Houston. Bill served honorably in the USAF during the Korean War. He moved to New Mexico where he met and married his wife of 60 years, Dorene.

Bill worked for the New Mexico State Police and later for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) where he held a high-level security clearance and worked in several departments. He enjoyed building and repairing things and was incredibly skilled at both.

In retirement, he enjoyed playing Read More

PRESILIANO SANDOVAL Jan. 21, 1925 – Dec. 8, 2023

On Friday, December 8, 2023, Presiliano Sandoval passed away peacefully at his home in Truchas, NM.

Presiliano lived his entire life in Truchas, and his passing represents the end of an era, a loss of traditional life and language, a paradigm shift for his family and community.

He was born in Truchas on January 21, 1925, at the home of his parents, Pablita and Apolinar, a mere 400 yards away from the home he and his first wife Dora built and where he lived much of his nearly 99 years.

Presiliano saw Truchas grow from a village of farmers and weavers into a Read More

RUDY ELOY ABEYTA, SR. June 22, 1949 – Nov. 27, 2023

Rudy Abeyta, Sr. ascended to heaven on November 27, 2023. Born in Embudo, NM.

Rudy grew up in a large family with 12 brothers and sisters. He married Alice Gurule and moved to Los Alamos in 1969. Rudy worked at the Los Alamos Medical Center, and later moved on to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory until retiring from his extensive service at TA-55/PF-4 in 2006.

No matter what state or city he traveled to, Rudy ran into friends and coworkers from throughout his career. Everyone knew they could trust Rudy to know how to fix anything and everything at Read More

BERNICE L. QUINN Nov. 15, 1926 – Nov. 30, 2023

Bernice Quinn was born November 15, 1926, in Dow City, Iowa. Her father, Hans Birkhofer, moved her family to Ajlune, WA to escape the Dust Bowl. She grew up on a farm that raised cows and hogs.

She met her future husband, Warren Quinn, in the 4th grade. She and Warren were married in 1946 and celebrated 75 years upon his death in 2022. They later lived in Pullman, WA where she was a bookkeeper and supported Warren through college. They then moved to Cambridge, MA while Warren went to Harvard and she continued to support him.

Once Warren completed his Ph.D., they Read More

JOHN JOSEPH CHAMBERLIN Sept. 21, 1934 – Nov. 30, 2023

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, John Joseph Chamberlin, loving father of three children and good friend to many passed away peacefully after a short illness in his home at the age of 89 surrounded by his children.

John was born in Mattoon, Illinois on September 21, 1934, to Donald and Violet (Whetsell) Chamberlin. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1953. Following high school, he attended college for a short time. He then enrolled in the Navy in 1955 and was discharged in 1957. John had a long and successful career at the Los Alamos Scientific Read More

RAMON MICHEL Oct. 13, 1959 – Nov. 16, 2023

Ramon Michel was born on October 13, 1959, in San Miguel, Jalisco. He was a hard worker who loved music and knew how to make others laugh.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maria D. Garcia De Michel (Lolita), Mauricio Javier Garcia Terriquez (son), Ilse Daniela Michel (daughter), and Tobi Mitchel (pet).

The Michel family would be honored for anyone who would like to attend Ramon’s memorial service on Saturday January 6, 2024, located at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, which will begin at 11:00 am.

On behalf of Maria, Mauricio, and Ilse, we would Read More

THOMAS K. THOMPSON Jan. 19, 1940 – Dec. 2, 2023

Thomas K. Thompson “T. K.” passed away December 2, 2023, from complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Minot, North Dakota, January 19, 1940, to Samuel Keith and Nelle Leona Benell Thompson.

He married his sweetheart, Alma (Allie) Huddleson, November 26, 1960, and they had their 63rd anniversary this year. On their second date, they went to a movie featuring a drunken maid named Alma. As they left the theater, he said “You are no Alma.” She’s been Allie ever since. They were the proud parents of three beautiful and talented children: Scott Read More

JO ANNA BOOR Sept. 17, 1949 – Dec. 2, 2023

Jo Anna Boor died peacefully at home on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Jo Anna was born in Española, New Mexico on September 17, 1949, to Manuel and Marie Garcia. Jo Anna attended Loretto Academy in Santa Fe for high school and then went on to earn an associate degree in data processing from New Mexico State University.

She married and moved to Houston, Texas for a couple of years and then returned to Española and began working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Her career at LANL spanned 30 years.

Jo Anna had two children, Rocke Johnson and HC (Harry Carl) Read More

WINFRED ‘WINDY’ LEE HEADDY June 12, 1932 – Dec. 4, 2023

Winfred Lee “Windy” Headdy, 91, of Grand Junction, CO, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the HopeWest Hospice Care Center.

Windy was born on June 12, 1932, in Spencer, IN to Winfred R. Headdy and Daphene Hedrick Headdy. In 1947, he moved to Los Alamos, NM where he lived for 50 years and worked as an Industrial Photographer at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and ran a Wedding Photography business from 1950-1987.

He proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1950-1954. He moved Read More

BARBARA JOYCE BIBEAU Aug. 9, 1937 – Nov. 17, 2023

Barbara Joyce Bibeau passed away at her home on November 17, 2023; she was surrounded by her loved ones.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Chester and Beatrice Smith, and brothers Chester and Norman Smith.

Barbara was born in central Massachusetts on August 9, 1937. She moved to Los Alamos with her family in 1951, graduating from Los Alamos High School in 1955. Barbara loved to bowl, play golf, was a very good pool player, and loved going to the casino.

Barbara worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for over 35 years providing administrative Read More

VIVIAN ‘GUY’ SOLANO Feb. 27, 1941 – Nov. 20, 2023

Vivian “Guy” Solano, formerly of Raton, New Mexico, age 82, passed away in the loving care of his family November 20, 2023. Guy was born February 27, 1941, in Raton to the late Roman and Amada (Valdez) Solano.

He is also preceded in passing by seven of his eight siblings. Guy served in the National Guard and worked as a computer operator at the Berkley Laboratory. He was able to retire and return to his hometown Raton to care for his parents.

He was a family man and loved his children as well as his siblings and grand/great grandchildren in a special way. Guy Read More

ELOISE ‘ELLIE’ MARGIOTTA Sept. 26, 1938 – Nov. 30, 2023

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Eloise (Ellie) Margiotta, 85, a beloved mother, cherished grandmother and devoted friend. Ellie departed this world on November 30, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.

Ellie was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 26, 1938, to Carmine and Elizabeth Conforte and lived there until she was married in 1960 and moved to Long Island, NY with her husband Paul. In 1978 Ellie, Paul and their 3 children moved to New Mexico where she remained.

A beacon of enormous strength, Ellie faced life’s challenges Read More

LAURA SWARTZ Oct. 12, 1931 – Nov. 27, 2023

Laura Swartz passed away peacefully on November 27th in Los Alamos. She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Swartz Gauny, who lives in the Los Alamos family home. Laura was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Blair Swartz.

Laura was born in 1931 and grew up in Pottsville, PA. She received a B.A. in Geology from Antioch College where she met her soon-to-be husband, Blair. They were married in 1955. After graduation Laura worked for The Chicago Natural History Museum and then the U.S. Geological Survey in Washington D.C. Laura and Blair moved to Los Alamos Read More

LINDA WELLS April 30, 1930 – Oct. 31, 2023

Linda Mary (Lundgren) Wells was brought into this world during a raging tornado in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 30, 1930. A Daughter of the American Revolution, she grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and in Eureka Springs, Arkansas where she met and married her first husband, John L. Lundgren. They moved to Los Alamos with their young daughter, Lucille Lundgren, in the 1950s. This husband of 25 years and Linda worked at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory;  he, a nuclear engineer and she, an eyes-only cold war patriot.

A private property ownership Read More

CHARLES DENNIS CASIAS June 3, 1943 – Nov. 24, 2023

Charles Dennis Casias, 80, a resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on November 24, 2023, of Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Patsy Gloria Casias. his mother Ramona Burmeister, stepfather, Slim Burmeister, sister, Bessie Romero, brothers Billy Burmeister, and Ronnie Burmeister; brothers in law Albert Gonzales, and Steve Romero along with several nephews.

Dennis was born on June 3, 1943, in Raton, New Mexico, he graduated from Cimarron High School in 1962. He married Patsy Read More

SHIRLEY ANN LOEWENSTEIN March 27, 1936 – Nov. 11, 2023

Shirley Ann Loewenstein, 87, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away surrounded by family and friends Saturday Nov. 11, 2023.

Shirley was born in Kearney, Nebraska March 27, 1936, to Elbert & Delia (Fox) Loewenstein. She attended Los Alamos High School graduating in 1954 and then received several advanced computer certifications for her work at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Tech Supervisor & Systems Specialist.

She retired in 1990 after 35 years of service and moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to family. Over the Read More

MICHAEL F. EBBERS Feb. 26, 1952 – Nov. 21, 2023

Michael F. Ebbers, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died near Elkhart, Kansas, a few days before Thanksgiving. He was hunting with his best dog and died suddenly from natural causes.

Michael was the second of four children born to Frederick and Margaret Ebbers in Burlington, Wisconsin. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1970.

He went to the University of Wisconsin, earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and became a land surveyor after college. In 1981, he took a job with the ATSF and moved to Texas to engineer railroad bridges. Eventually, Read More

DR. PAUL OLIVER FREDERICKSON Nov. 13, 2023

Dr. Paul Oliver Frederickson passed away on November 13, 2023, surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Rosmarie, and his children Beth, Margie, Jim and Howard.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Dagne (Ostergaard) Frederickson, and his siblings Audrey, Donna and David.

His insatiable curiosity and dry wit live on in his grandchildren Oliver, Freya, Kira, Rafael, Brigham, Maurnét, Arianna, Michael, Arlo, Brienne, Matthew and Lexi, and his great grandchildren Valory, Cedar, Simon and Eleanor.

Paul received his PhD in Mathematics from Read More

KENDRICK JOHN HEBERT Feb. 3, 1930 – Nov. 20, 2023

Kendrick John Hebert, age 93, passed on November 20, 2023, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.  Ken was born on February 3, 1930, in Middleborough, Massachusetts, the son of Marie and Joseph Hebert.

Ken grew up in the small town of Plymouth, Massachusetts with his two brothers, Russell and Ronald. It is here where he met the love of his life, Jeanette Marie Whiteley. They were married December 30, 1953, at St. Ambrose Church in Hollywood, California. They settled in the Los Angeles area, where Ken accepted a job at Caltech. They had four loving children, Keith, Read More

LANCE EDWARD DAVID LACKAS June 28, 1963 – Nov. 21, 2023

Lance Edward David Lackas, 60, of Los Alamos, NM, passed away on November 21, 2023. He was born on June 28, 1963, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Shirley and Duane Lackas.

Lance was a great son, husband, father, and friend to many. He was always doing something either at home or for his friends and neighbors. He loved being outside, whether it was doing yardwork or golfing with his buddies. Lance had a strong work ethic and took pride in everything he did.

Lance is survived by his parents, Shirley and Duane Lackas; his wife, Claudia Lackas; his sons, Barry Read More

RONALD D. CHRISTMAN Aug. 21,1936 – Nov. 23, 2023

Ronald Dwaine Christman passed away on Thanksgiving morning at home in Los Alamos, NM as a result of complications from long term prostate cancer. He frequently said that every day was a blessing.

Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years, Corine (Elfrink) Christman, as well as his son Brent (Xia) and grand-daughter Jinyi Duan, daughter Marie Michnovicz (Matthew), and their children Randal and Elena.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Emil Christman (1911-1992) and Rosa Schlepp Christman (1913-2001).

Ron was born in Selby, SD and the doctor Read More

STANLEY LEROY WHETSTONE  Aug. 30, 1925 – Sept. 21, 2023

Stan was born in Newark, NJ to Stanley and Mary (Rhoads) Whetstone. Soon after his birth, the family settled in Belleville, NJ where his sisters, Janice and Molly were born.

Stan lived in Belleville throughout his childhood and the family often visited relatives who all lived in eastern Pennsylvania where both of his parents had deep roots. Visiting his favorite Aunt Edna in Sunbury, where he enjoyed fishing in the Susquehanna River and visiting country farms, were fond memories for Stan.

Stan graduated from Belleville High School as the Read More

JEANNE CLARK WHETSTONE Aug. 30, 1926 – Sept. 7, 2023

Jeanne was born in Palo Alto, California to Donald Francis and Lucia Margaret (Stoffels) Clark. Her sister, Dot, was born two years later. After their father passed away when Jeanne was seven, the family moved to San Francisco, where she grew up. She loved going to the corner bakery, visiting the library, roller skating, sunning at the beach, and visiting downtown where “you always dressed up”. Being a Girl Scout and earning badges was a special memory for Jeanne.

Growing up during the depression she was thankful when a neighbor would bring over Read More

RICHARD JOHN DALY Oct. 23, 1922 – Nov. 2, 2023

Richard John Daly died Nov. 6 in Santa Fe at age 101 after a long and fulfilled life.

He was born in Santa Fe Oct. 23, 1922, at the home of his parents, Mary Elizabeth and Richard Marcus Daly. His father, an Irish immigrant, earned a law degree from Georgetown University before moving to Santa Fe in 1918 after military service in France in World War I left lingering health issues.

Richard, known as Dick, grew up fascinated by the cultures and history of Northern New Mexico. Living in Santa Fe when most people spoke Spanish, he became fluent in that language. Read More

WAYNE OLIVER LUNSFORD June 21, 1947 – November 15, 2023

Wayne Oliver Lunsford, 76, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023, surrounded by his family, from a long battle with dementia.

Wayne was born on June 21, 1947, in Santa Ana, CA to parents Jesse Lunsford and Winifred (Jones) as the second child of six. Mealtimes were a one-and-done deal, if you didn’t grab what you wanted the first time around, you were guaranteed it wouldn’t come back around a second time.

While growing up, Wayne’s family moved around several times while his father pursued Read More

SUSIE BARELA Nov. 9, 1931 – Nov. 17, 2023

Susie Barela, (92), a lifelong resident of Truchas, NM. Born on November 9, 1931, and passed away on November 17, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents Isidoro and Leonardita Barela; siblings Fedencia Cordova, Gilbert (Julia) Barela, and Hope (Donald) Lopez. Close nieces and nephews Sarah, Medardo, Irma Cordova and Dino Fernandez.

She is survived by her great-nephew whom she raised as her son, Louie Sandoval and wife Valerie. Her baby ones, Ryan Sandoval (Angelique), Grace Sandoval, Read More

PRISCILLA M. PACHECO Dec. 15, 1939 – Nov. 10, 2023

Priscilla M. Pacheco departed peacefully Nov. 10, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home.

Born in Santa Fe, Dec. 15, 1939, Priscilla, along with her husband Danny Pacheco, raised their family in Los Alamos, NM. A dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Priscilla was known for her kindness and caring nature, with a smile that could light up any room. Her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved her.

Priscilla’s affection for children earned her the endearing title of neighborhood mom. She was known for Read More

PEGGY ANN SANTISTEVAN Oct. 21, 2023

Peggy Ann Santistevan passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on Saturday, October 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy, affectionately known as Ammi by her grandchildren, is survived by her daughter, Lena (Miles), sons Rey (Dee) and Ernesto (Carolee), her four grandchildren, Abigail, Madeline, Miles Scott and Isabella. Her siblings, Diana Santistevan and Michael Santistevan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Peggy retired to Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoyed watching her 3 oldest grandchildren grow up. Peggy loved sewing, knitting, Read More

MARGARET MAXWELL BRADDOCK BOWMAN Nov. 22, 1933 – July 31, 2023

Margaret Maxwell Braddock Bowman passed away peacefully July 31 in Tucson, Arizona. 

She was born Nov. 22, 1933 in New York, NY to Guilbert Campbell Braddock & Estelle Maxwell Braddock.

Growing up, both of Margaret’s parents were deaf, so she was well versed in sign language. Her love of languages didn’t stop there as she also learned Dutch and Spanish.  

Margaret attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA where she met Allen Lee Bowman.  They were both active in the drama. Margaret was waiting for Al to put props Read More