Crucita Simpson

Crucita "Chris" Simpson passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, August 28, 2023, with her son Richard at her side. She lived her 94 years to the fullest. She was born Crucita Dolores Martinez on April 18, 1929, to Jose Antonio Martinez and Isaria Santistevan near what is now the ghost town of Moses, New Mexico in Union County. Her father, Jose, passed away when Crucita was a little girl and the family moved to Clayton, New Mexico where she was raised.

She graduated from Clayton High School and, after trying her hand at food service in Kansas City, later joined the Women's Air Force and her travels across the world began. Crucita worked in the control tower, guiding Air Force planes through their takeoffs and landings. While stationed at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts in 1951, she met and married a young Lieutenant Edgar H. Simpson and gave up her career in the Air Force. So began a decades-long adventure of traveling the world while being stationed on four different continents and learning as much as she could while doing so. Crucita embraced the differences in culture and language and encouraged the family to embrace it as well. Whether it be Spanish (her first language), German, Arabic, Greek or Japanese culture and languages, it became regular discussion around the dinner table. This life was not without its challenges, which Crucita met with her undying faith and grace. She was raised in the Catholic faith and raised her family as Catholics, despite the challenges living in other countries may have brought about.

Crucita returned to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975. She was hired by the office of the Bernalillo County Treasurer and worked her way up to be the Tax Supervisor. She loved connecting with her clients and was always able to relate as many of them were new to New Mexico and she was returning after many years. Once she retired from the county office, she was left with plenty of time to pursue her many hobbies and adventures.

For the next forty-eight years, Crucita was able to enjoy the many get-togethers that she had missed all those years with her extended family. She continued to travel and learn as much as she could, even if it was just around the state. Crucita appreciated everything around her and never met a rock or feather she didn't like. A few years back, she decided she wanted to move to a senior community where she could still have her friends, but less of the responsibly of a house. She thrived in this environment and made many new friends while enjoying visits from her family.

Crucita was very proud of serving her country during the Korean War. In June 2017, she was among a group invited to take the Honor Flight back to Washington DC. She was honored for her service along with other veterans from New Mexico.

Crucita will be fondly remembered for her tradition of giving blessings before leaving her presence with making a sign of cross on your forehead. This legacy was passed down from her mother Isaria. This tradition encapsulated Crucita's boundless care and devotion of her Catholic faith. She was loved by all because she touched so many with her gentle and resilient spirit. This was also quite evident with her love and care she showed to her pet tortoise of 54 years!
In her final days at the incredible facility of The Village at Alameda, her caregivers were so caring, patient and loving, checking on her constantly. She struggled to say "Thank You" every time they came to check on her. Her final words were to family and a dear friend, she clearly responded with "I love you too".

She has joined the many angels of her family waiting for her.
Crucita was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Antonio Martinez and Isaria Santistevan; siblings, Dulcineo Jose Martinez, Eulogia Martinez Hoffman, and Antonio Simon Martinez; former husband, Edgar H. Simpson, Colonel USAF, and daughter, Constancia J. Simpson.

She is survived by her brother, Ricardo Martinez (Dinah); her children, Ronald Olivas (Gina), Keith Simpson, Dolores "Dee" Simpson Snyder, Richard Simpson (Ellen Coplen), and Steven Simpson (Tammy); grandchildren, Krista Olivas, Palani Olivas. (Caroline), Ginny Olivas-Smith (Tom), Jaimie Simpson, Jordan Simpson, Blake Simpson, Katie Snyder, Sean Simpson, and Ryan Simpson (JD); and great-grandchildren, Ibrahim "Heema" El-Abbassy, Ismail "Somah" El-Abbassy, Jasmyn Olivas, Jonah Olivas, Sandi Smith, Steele Smith, Elias Simpson, and Amelia Simpson

A rosary will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a mass at 10:15 a.m., St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87114.
Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.
Celebration of Life to follow at the Marriott Hotel, 2101 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity or Wounded Warriors in her name, would be appreciated.