Obituaries

KATHERINE ANN LAWRENCE Oct. 27, 1947 – Nov. 25, 2019

Katherine Ann Lawrence, wife of George Lawrence, daughter of Stephanie Sydoriak, passed out of this world at her home on Nov. 25, 2019, following a stroke.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos. Read More

OLIVE MAE BERGAUER Sept. 30, 1921 – Dec. 18, 2019

Olive Mae Bergauer, passed away peacefully at her home, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 with her family at her side.

She was born in Kassler, Colorado on September 30, 1921 to James D and Ada B (Woodward) Mitchell. It is here that she developed her love of the outdoors and for fishing. She was the youngest of three girls and always said that she was the tomboy of the three. As a youngster she was best known for sneaking off and going fishing with her father.

Her life in Kassler, home of the Denver Water Works, was one of fishing, hiking, gold panning with her Read More

WALTER ANDERSON PICKETT May 14, 1928 – Dec. 26, 2019

Walter Anderson Pickett, 91, passed away in Los Alamos, New Mexico on December 26, 2019.

He was born in Unionville, Missouri on May 14, 1928 to Minnie Anderson Pickett and Evan “Midge” Pickett. He married Teresa Eastland on January 1, 1950, in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Both of Walter’s parents and his wife preceded him in death, as did his siblings, Lester Pickett, Leo Pickett, Lawrence Pickett, Lois Crawford, Louise Winter, and Jessie Anderson.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Minette McWilliams (Greg) of Los Alamos, NM; grandson David Bradshaw Read More

JAMES N. P. LAWRENCE May 29, 1929 – Dec. 13, 2019

James N. P. Lawrence, 90, of Los Alamos, NM, died peacefully December 13, 2019 at Sombrillo Nursing Home.

He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 29, 1929 to the late Frank D. and Margarette Peed Lawrence of Portsmouth, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Francine O. Greenacre in 2011. He was also preceded by his parents, his sisters Doris and Ann Beth as well as 5 half-brothers.

Jim enjoyed golf and could be found on the Los Alamos golf course most weekends. When he first came to Los Alamos, he played on an adult hockey team.

He worked almost 40 Read More

VIRGINIA ELIZABETH PIGOTT ‘GINNY’ Dec. 10, 1924 – Dec. 23, 2019

Virginia Elizabeth Pigott “Ginny”, 95, of Los Alamos went to be with her Lord on Dec. 23, 2019 at her home with her daughter Barbara at her side.

She was born Dec. 10, 1924 to Harold and Caroline Hall in Springfield Ohio. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1943 and was on staff at Warder Public Library until she married Miles Thomas “Tom” Pigott in 1945 in Springfield after he returned home from World War II.

They moved to Oxford, Ohio for him to attend Miami University, then on to the University of Illinois. They had seven Read More

JOANNE LOUISE COX April 2, 1928 – Dec. 2, 2019

Joanne Louise Cox went to meet her Lord and Savior on December 2, 2019.

Joanne was born April 2, 1928 in Janesville, Wisconsin to Sidney B. Weber, Sr. and Olga M. Weber (née Doeringsfeld). She was the third of four children, and grew up in Janesville, graduating from Janesville HS in 1946.

She spent four years on the beautiful campus of University of Wisconsin in Madison. As a freshman, she knew she wasn’t going to make a big splash at the “U”, but was happy to be a little pebble on the beach. It was a time of explosive student population, swelling from 12,000 Read More

JAMES LESLIE NESMITH Sept. 3, 1946 – Dec. 9, 2019

James Leslie Nesmith, 73, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away December 9, 2019.

He was born to Earl Charles and Sylvia Dingle Nesmith in Denver, Co. on September 3, 1946.

James is preceded in death by loving parents; brother, Charles Nesmith; and beloved wife, Jamie Lee Nesmith.

He is survived by children, Amy Collier Hunt (Chris), Laura Anastasia Nesmith, James Joshua Nesmith; brother, Frank E. Nesmith; and five grandchildren.

James graduated from the University of Washington with an MBA. He later pursued a career as a Program Director Read More

COLTIN HANSEL May 21, 2010 – Dec. 9, 2019

With deepest sorrow we announce that Coltin James Hansel, aged 9, our most beloved son, brother, family member and friend, tragically passed away on Monday, December 9, 2019 in his mother and father’s arms.

Coltin was born May 21, 2010 and had been literally running ever since! He was a burst of happiness upon every room, never met a stranger and was friendly and loving to everyone. In his excitement, energy, and impulsiveness, he was utterly lovable, sweet, and kind.

Classmates describe Coltin as compassionate and caring and the first to come to their Read More

CARSON JOSEPH CANNON May 9, 2003 – Dec. 3, 2019

Carson Joseph Cannon, 16, of White Rock, died unexpectedly December 3, 2019.

The loving son of Reed Farnsworth Cannon and Heidi Lovisa Cannon was born May 9, 2003 in Santa Fe.

He is survived by his parents; his older brother Caleb; younger sister Maia; younger brother Max; and youngest sister Kylie. He will be deeply missed and was loved by all who knew him.

In his time on earth, Carson loved video gaming, skateboarding, drawing, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and superhero movies.

Family, friends and loved ones are invited to a commemoration to be held in the Read More

KRISTA RENEE HARDIE PAGE May 27, 1970 – Aug. 19, 2019

Krista Renee Hardie Page, 49, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on August 19, 2019 at Inova Hospital in Fairfax, VA.

 A resident of McLean, VA, Krista is the mother of Sierra Page, wife of Randy Page (McLean, VA), sister of Beth Nañez (Albuquerque, NM), and daughter of Linda and Wayne Hardie (Los Alamos, NM).

On Saturday, December 28, at 1:00 pm there will be a Memorial Bench Dedication at the Russell Watanabe Soccer Field on Barranca Mesa (57 Loma Del Escolar) in Los Alamos followed by a celebration of Krista’s life Read More

DONALD STEWART GLASCOCK Feb. 21, 1963 – Dec. I, 2019

After 56 years of living life to the fullest, 25 years of devoted marriage, 20 years of joyful fatherhood, 29 years of sharing his passion in computers with the Mayo Clinic Health Care System, Donald Stewart Glascock leaves this earth to be with God.

Donald was born on February 21, 1963 to Robert and Theresa (Starkey) Glascock in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He graduated from high school in Los Alamos in 1981 and then he entered the Computer Science program at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

In 1990 he started working at the Mayo Clinic in the Read More

KATHERINE ANN LAWRENCE Oct. 27, 1947 – Nov. 25, 2019

Katherine Ann Lawrence, age 72, passed out of this world at her home on November 25, 2019, following a stroke in late September.

Her final days were spent in her beautiful home, cared for by her husband, sons, mother, sister, brothers, and close friends, We loved her very much, and it has been so terribly hard to say goodbye.

Kathy’s story began in New Haven, Connecticut, where she was born, the second of six children, to Stephanie and Stephen Sydoriak on October 27, 1947, the second of what was to be six children.  Her parents, first-generation Read More

MARY ANN COTTER April 25, 1942 – Nov. 17, 2019

Mary Ann Cotter age 77, of Los Alamos, NM Passed away on November 17, 2019.

Mary was born in Nida, Oklahoma on April 25, 1942 to her loving parents Rochelle and Syrous Autrey. On September 9, 1960 she married Charles Cotter in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles Cotter; parents Rochelle and Syrous Autrey; brothers Harold Autrey,  Benny Autrey and Carl Autrey.  

Mary graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1960. She also worked and retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

She was a member Read More

DAVID F. KEDDY March 21,1933 – Nov. 11, 2019

Dave passed away peacefully at his home in Vernal UT surrounded by family.

He was born in Denver CO to Mary Ann and Albert F. Keddy formerly of Los Alamos. A LAHS graduate in 1953, he married Rita McConkie in 1957 of Vernal, Utah. Dave and Rita had 62 years together. They have 12 children, 23 Grandchildren and 17 Great grandchildren.

He graduated from Utah State University in Forestry. He was District Ranger in Jemez Springs, Reserve and Mayhill, NM before completing his 32-year career in Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward Keddy Read More

MICHAEL DOUGLAS WOLFF Dec. 8, 1953 – Oct. 30, 2019

Mike Wolff died recently in a place he loved—the family cabin in Colorado. He was surrounded by the spirits of those he loved and those who loved him, happy memories, and beautiful views of the Spanish Peaks and the Rocky Mountains.

Michael Douglas Wolff was born on December 8, 1953, in Minnesota and was the second child of Marilyn Louise (Jones) Wolff and Walter Pitts Wolff. He grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1972.

Mike worked at Pierotti’s Flower Shop, both before and after his three-year military service Read More

HENRY CHARLES “CHIP” CHRISTIANS III April 17, 1953 – Nov. 4, 2019

Henry Charles “Chip” Christians III, aged 66, formerly of Los Alamos, NM passed away peacefully at home Monday evening November 4, 2019 with his wife Carolyn at his side after a five-month battle with cancer.

He was born April 17, 1953 in Wheaton, IL to Joan Carolyn Beutel and Henry Charles Christians II. He grew up in Los Altos, CA and Hinsdale, IL. He spent several years training polo ponies. He was married to his first wife Sharon Thompson until her death in 2009. Two children blessed their lives; a daughter Dana and a son Travis. Favorite Read More

ALICE W. JOHNSON Nov. 2, 2019

Alice W. Johnson, 83, a lifelong resident of Los Alamos, NM, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 2, 2019.

Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends at her sister Irene’s home in Santa Fe, NM.

She is preceded in death by her parents Herman and Helen Martinez, and husband Merle.

She is survived by her loving companion John Danielson, her precious dogs, her siblings Luis Martinez (Rose), Annie Bonnell, Cecilia Jaramillo (Fred), Irene Martinez, Olivia Montoya, Carmen Guzman (Joaquin), Lucy Guzman, Mary Campos, Michelle Romero, Read More

JAN SANDER Oct. 18, 2019

Jan Sander, a long-time resident of White Rock, passed away on October 18, 2019, of cancer.

She was born Janet Lee Blohm in Chicago in 1942, but soon thereafter resided in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Jan met her future husband, Oscar Sander, there playing “Kick the Can” in the street that separated their childhood homes. They dated in high school, enjoyed university life, were married in 1961, and spent 58 exciting, wonderful years totally in love with each other. They were a team and did everything together

Before moving to New Mexico, Jan and her family moved 26 times. Read More

BRIAN BRUCE GLOVER June 18, 1976 – Oct. 30, 2019

Brian Bruce Glover, 43, of Los Alamos, NM died unexpectedly on October 30, 2019.

He was born June 18, 1976, in Deadwood, SD. He is the first child and only son of Terry and Kay Glover. Brian grew up in Sturgis, SD and was joined by five sisters, each of whom he loved dearly. Brian took being a big brother seriously and was very protective of “The Sisters”.

It was evident at an early age that he loved science as he was always reading Popular Science magazines. Brian was curious and inventive at a level that astounded most. After working road construction for Read More

WILLIAM LLOYD SPURGEON Nov. 19, 1957 – Oct. 30, 2019

William (Bill) Lloyd Spurgeon age, 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.

He was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and moved to Albuquerque at the age of 3. He attended Bel Air Elementary School, McKinley Jr. High School, and Del Norte High School in Albuquerque.

He and his family moved to Los Alamos where he attended Los Alamos High School for his senior year.

Bill proudly served in the Navy from 1975 to 1980 where he began his journey as an electrical technician and engineer.

After the Navy, Bill Read More

MARGARET KOOK-SUN CHAN Dec. 24, 1946 – Oct. 24, 2019

Margaret Kook-Sun Chan, 72, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, formerly of Los Alamos, NM, died peacefully on Thursday, October 24th at City of Hope Hospital in Southern California after a long but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Guangzhou, China in 1946, she moved to Hong Kong and graduated from the Chinese University of HK. She then immigrated to the United States and received a Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1975. There she met her loving husband and started a family.

In her 40’s, she returned to school and obtained a degree Read More

TINA MARIE SHALEK Oct. 18, 2019

Tina Marie Shalek, 59 of Los Alamos passed away on October 18, 2019.

She was born in Hinsdale, Illinois to Rosemarie and Peter Shalek. Tina graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1981. She moved into the Peach Street Group Home in 1984, a place that became a second home and family throughout her life.

Tina was involved in her community through the Special Olympics, the local ARC, the local animal shelter, Las Cumbres Community Services and the United Church of Los Alamos. She loved to ride the trolley and go out to eat. She worked at the Los Alamos Monitor and Sonic for Read More

ROSEMARIE CASTELLI SHALEK Aug. 31, 2019

Rosemarie Castelli Shalek, 92 of Los Alamos passed away on August 31, 2019.

She was born in Mark, Illinois to Virgil and Enis Castelli, immigrants from Italy. Rosie graduated from Illinois State University with a master’s in counseling and received a bachelor’s degree in teaching. She worked as a guidance counselor in Lyons Township, Illinois and taught Business Education for many years and then Home Economics at Cumbres Jr. High School when they moved to Los Alamos.

Rosie was married to Peter Dean Shalek in 1957 and they were devoted to each other for 61 Read More

DARRYL B. SMITH Oct. 25, 2019

Darryl B. Smith, 83, a resident of Los Alamos since 1958, died Friday, October 25, 2019, after a short illness.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Brian and wife Sarah, of Portland, Oregon; a daughter Allyson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and a sister, Catherine Scheel and husband Len, of White Rock, New Mexico.

Smith was born in Ryan, Iowa, and grew up in Decatur, Illinois. He received a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico and worked as a physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory for 37 years. For 29 of those years, he participated in nuclear materials safeguards Read More

JEAN MICHAEL FUSELIER June 11, 1987 – Oct. 18, 2019

Jean Michael Fuselier began a new journey, unexpectedly on October 18, 2019.

Michael, as he was known to just about all, came running impatiently into this world in Asheville, NC on June 11, 1987. He must have been in a rush to meet his parent’s Robert (Bob) and Susie Fuselier and his big sister Jennifer.

Michael started his life of traveling and service early on when he went with his family to Honduras where they lived in an orphanage. Shortly after returning from this journey Michael became a big brother to the new addition, Bobby.

The family continued Read More

MARY HELEN FIERRO KLARE Oct. 15, 2019

Mary Helen Fierro Klare passed away with her family by her side on October 15, 2019 in Los Alamos, NM.

Mary Helen was a gentle soul, beautiful wife and mother, amazing musician, and friend. Born in El Paso, Mary Helen was raised by her loving parents, Jose and Aurora Fierro.

Among her many achievements, Mary Helen was valedictorian of her high school class in El Paso, graduated from Texas Western College (UTEP) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, and earned her Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Colorado Boulder.

In 1969, she came to Los Alamos to teach Read More