In the early morning of Friday, April 10, 2026, Alice Faye Baca (Nelson) passed away peacefully at the age of 86.

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Alice was the eldest of four children born to Benjamin "Cale" Nelson and Edith Nelson.

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Alice grew up on family land in West Virginia, where her father worked as a coal miner and the family maintained a modest farm with chickens, pigs, cows, and the occasional stubborn donkey. It was a simple, rural life-far removed from modern conveniences-but one that shaped her deeply. From those early years came the values she carried throughout her life: a belief in hard work, a respect for routine, and the understanding that fresh air and open space offered a kind of freedom you couldn't find anywhere else. She also held firmly to the belief that snakes were not to be trusted.

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While attending the University of New Mexico, she fell in love with James M. "Jim" Baca and the expansive New Mexico landscape. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and went on to build a distinguished career in computer programming with the Department of Energy-forging a path that was uncommon for women of her time.

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Alice shared a lifelong partnership with her husband, Jim, who passed away on November 19, 2012, after a battle with cancer. Their relationship was defined by mutual respect, devotion, loyalty, and the steady, unwavering way they showed up for each other. In the final years of his life, Alice cared for him with strength, compassion, and love.

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Together, she and Jim raised their children-Jeannette (Tim), Teri (Brad), Jason (Phuong), and Annalee (Andrew)-with a deep commitment to integrity, instilling in them a strong work ethic, accountability, and values that would guide them throughout their lives.

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Known as "Granny" to her grandchildren-a role she cherished-Alice shared a special closeness with each of them: Jake, Justin, Nolan, Audrina, and Cole. She often read the same books as them or researched their hobbies so she could share in their interests and conversations.

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Alice knew how to celebrate the small moments-whether it was a green beer on St. Patrick's Day or wearing a festive headband on holidays to make others laugh. She is remembered for her infectious smile and the grace with which she carried herself-truly the definition of a lady.

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She is survived by her children, Jeannette (Tim), Teri (Brad), Jason (Phuong), and Annalee (Andrew); her grandchildren, Jake, Justin, Nolan, Audrina, and Cole; and her brothers, Jack Nelson and Oran Nelson.

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She was preceded in death by her husband, James M. "Jim" Baca; her parents, Benjamin "Cale" Nelson and Edith Nelson; and her brother, Cale Jr. (Sherry).

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Funeral Service

Monday, May 4, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Central United Methodist Church
201 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Graveside Service

Monday, May 4, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Mount Calvary Cemetery
1900 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Reception

Monday, May 4, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

University Reception Center
1111 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Alice's honor to Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, a cause close to her heart. Donations: https://wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org/donate/