Elizabeth T. Wildman

Elizabeth “Betty” Teresa (Bramlage) Wildman was born on June 19, 1921, in San Pedro, California to Edward Charles Bramlage and Sophia Ann Vormehr.  She passed away on January 10, 2018.  She grew up in Junction City, Kansas where she attended school with her future husband, Thomas Joseph Wildman Jr., at St. Xavier Catholic School.  Shortly after they were married on April 6, 1942, her husband became a bomber pilot in WWII.  After the war they decided to make the Air Force a career and moved an average of every three years including: Salina, KS; Austin, TX; Fairbanks, AK; El Paso, TX; Junction City, KS; Oscoda, MI; Clark AFB, Philippines; Amarillo, TX; Altus, OK; and Yokota AFB, Japan.  During this time in the Air Force, Betty was a full-time mom to their six children.  Her example and nurturing helped all of her children graduate college and pursue successful careers.  After they retired to Paradise Hills in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1972, they became involved at their church, St. Jude Thaddeus, and helped raise money for its growth. She also played the organ for the Saturday night service for the church for 29 years and retired in 2001.  She and her husband enjoyed many years of playing golf, friends’ company, and RV camping and fishing.  They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Tom passed away in May of 1992.  She continued to be active with her church, but also participated in a local bridge club.  She maintained a healthy lifestyle by regularly going to water aerobics classes.  Betty continued to drive herself around until the age of 90.  She will be warmly remembered as a compassionate woman that took on the challenges of military life and motherhood with strength, grace, and love.  Her beautiful baby blue eyes will always sparkle in our hearts.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings (Edward, Fred, Marguerite, and Clara), her husband, one son-in-law (John Statser), and one granddaughter-in-law (Raquel Wildman).  She is survived by her children:  Diana J. Petersen (Paul), Thomas J. Wildman III (Martha), Charles J. Wildman (Ellen), Richard F. Wildman (Rhonda), Mary L. Statser, and Elizabeth A. Duncan (John).  Betty is survived by 19 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the Heartland Hospice’s wonderful, caring people, especially Nurse Ruth and Chaplain Laura, and the outstanding staff at the Taylor Ranch Beehive for their kind and loving care of our mother.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Westside, followed by a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. A Mass will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114. Interment will follow at 12:45 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to your local Hospice organization or St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.