Frances Albany, age 94, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2025.
Frances was born on August 4, 1930, in Iola, Colorado, and grew up in Gunnison. She was the daughter of Gabriel and Annunziata Luchetta, proud Italian immigrants who built a loving home in the United States. Frances was married to Walter C. Albany, whom she met in Gunnison after which they relocated to Albuquerque. Together they raised a happy family and were married for 36 years until his passing on October 31, 1988.
A devoted homemaker, Frances was known for her extraordinary Italian cooking and baking—recipes and traditions she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and participated faithfully in the Altar and Rosary Society.
Frances will be remembered for her joyful spirit, boundless patience, and kind heart. She never complained and always seemed to have a song in her head. She had a remarkable memory and loved to share family stories and details from years gone by. Frances was an avid gardener, a devoted Lobo basketball and Broncos football fan, and enjoyed playing cards—whether with friends or solo. Most of all, she cherished staying connected with family and friends near and far, sharing in their joys and supporting them through life’s moments.
She is survived by her daughter, Maggie Chavez, and son-in-law, David Chavez; granddaughters Suzanne Palmer (Jeff), Adrienne Neumann (Stefan), and Jessica Chavez (fiancé Ryan Hoffmann); and great-granddaughters Alyssa and Katie Palmer and Madeline Oyer.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Albany; her daughter, Jeanette Albany; her brothers, John (Fretta Mae) and George (Emily); her sister, Mary; her twin sister, Rose, who passed away in infancy; and her stepsister, Lena Worthington.
A Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 927 Arizona Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. A reception will immediately follow the Mass in the church’s Founders Hall. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday August 11. All who knew and loved Frances are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.
Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Holy Ghost
Santa Fe National Cemetery
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