Laura F. Rechtenbach

Laura Francis Shafsky Edwards Rechtenbach

d. April 26, 2024

Laura Rechtenbach, age 74, of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024 from a long and courageous battle with dementia. She was born in Connellsville, PA in 1949 to Albert and Mary Belle Shafsky. When she was two, Laura and her family moved to Casper, WY. There her love of animals began as she and her grandmother, Wyola Miller, would often bring baby animals into the house to keep them warm in the winter. Laura grew up riding horses and had many adventures with them especially with her horse, Mr. Chico’s Choice.

Laura and former husband Tom moved to Albuquerque in 1969. She worked in banking until she and Tom opened Edwards Engines in 1976. Her entrepreneurial spirit continued when she, former husband Dale Rechtenbach, and partners opened and ran Air Management Services for 26 years.

Laura had many hobbies throughout her life including bowling, snowmobiling, skiing, boating, traveling across the United States and Europe, gardening, cooking, and trap shooting. She loved her family deeply and found tremendous joy in caring for animals throughout her life.

She is survived by her former husband Tom Edwards and their children Glenda (Brett) Robertson and Scott Edwards (Risa Vallano); former husband Dale Rechtenbach; four grandchildren Sarah, Asher, Matt, and Kait; and sister Jo Ann Shafsky. Laura was preceded in death by her father Albert Shafsky, mother Mary Belle Shafsky, and step-brother Cary Shafksy.