Marilyn Rose Lovato

Marilyn Rose (Giannini) Lovato, born in Albuquerque on March 28, 1943, to Ray and Mary Lou Giannini, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tony Lovato.

As the second of six children, she spent her early years attending Our Lady of Fatima School. Following the unexpected death of their father at age 12, she enrolled at St. Mary's Catholic School to join her brother, Ray. At age 15, Marilyn started working for the Kimo Theatre, where she worked on Saturday morning shows and famously saw Elvis Presley in his first movie, Love Me Tender.

Following high school, Marilyn married the late Ray Garcia and became a stay-at-home mother to their daughter, Sherri. After the couple divorced, she entered the workforce, securing a position with the City of Albuquerque in the Personnel Department, with the Employment and Testing Division. Seeking a new challenge, she soon accepted a role managing events at the Albuquerque Civic Auditorium, a pivotal move that solidified her reputation in the local events scene. She oversaw performances by popular acts, including Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers, the Ice Capades, and the Harlem Globetrotters, to name a few.

In 1972, the year the facility opened its west complex, Marilyn accepted a position with the Albuquerque Convention Center. Serving a diverse range of clients, from local community organizations to international groups. She acted as the primary liaison between vendors and the center. Throughout her tenure, Marilyn engaged with numerous high-ranking officials, bridging generations of royal and political history. In her role, she met prominent figures including King Charles (then Prince of Wales), as well as Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

Marilyn married Tony Lovato in 1973. In the years that followed, they welcomed a son, David, and a daughter, Leslie, into their lives. Their home was filled with activity as they balanced demanding careers, with schedules of sports and family life. Marilyn and Tony traveled from coast-to-coast for work, often turning those trips into cherished vacations. Along the way, they visited family from Leslie in Washington to David in Georgia and Texas.

In 1992, the east complex of the Albuquerque Convention Center was completed. Its grand opening served as a natural transition, marking the close of Marilyn's long and distinguished career with the City of Albuquerque and her transition into retirement. In 1996, Marilyn obtained her New Mexico Real Estate License and embarked on a new career.

From buying her first house as a single mother at age 26, to walking 26.2 grueling miles in the Duke City Marathon at age 54, Marilyn set a powerful example of perseverance at every stage of her life. She proved that it is never too late to rewrite your story, and that age is just a number. No matter how difficult the circumstances, she always moved forward with unwavering strength and determination.

In her later years, she found her greatest joy in her role as Grandma, or "Memaw," a name spoken with love by her grandchildren. She took great pride in her grandchildren's accomplishments, whether celebrating their academic achievements and college milestones or cheering from the sidelines at volleyball games, dance recitals, and soccer games. Memaw never missed an opportunity to support and celebrate them. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and her love for them will live on forever.

Marilyn's cherished presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, leaving an irreplaceable void that words cannot fully express. She brought a unique warmth, laughter, and light into the lives of those around her, making gatherings more memorable and life's challenges easier to face with her unwavering support. We are grateful for the precious moments shared and the unconditional love she gave throughout her lifetime. As we navigate this profound loss, we find comfort in holding onto beautiful memories and the indelible mark she left on our hearts.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Sherri Garcia; David Lovato (Michelle); Leslie Jackson (Derek); as well as her stepchildren Jerry Lovato (Pat) and Lorrie Sparrow (Jesse). She was a proud grandmother to seven beloved grandchildren: Scout, Keely, Sydnie, Sadie, Ryan, Emily and Alex. She is also survived by her siblings, Tom Giannini (Sandra), Barbara Giannini, Steve Farinelli; her sister-in-law Nancy Giannini; and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Ray ("Coach") Giannini and Richard Giannini, D.D.S..

The family extends their sincere gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Seana and Sammy, for the constant friendship, love, and kindness they shared with Marilyn. They also extend special appreciation to Roadrunner Hospice, Dr. Suzanne Pinon, and nurse Tara Linnihan for their years of exceptional care, compassion, and support during Marilyn's final days.

A rosary will be recited Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd., N.E. A funeral mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Voorhies on Friday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 2532 Vermont St. N.E. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Lovato, Steve Farinelli, Jerry Lovato, Jesse Sparrow, Travis Sutherland, Derek Jackson, and Ryan Jackson.