Mary Ann Weems

It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of Mary Ann Weems at home, surrounded by her family, on July 21, 2026. Mary Ann was born June 12, 1948 to Mike and Nadine Miller Rosenberg in Carlsbad, NM. She attended Carlsbad schools and had an incredibly happy childhood there on the river with her family and friends. After graduating from William Woods College where she majored in Art Education, she married Regan, her childhood sweetheart on December 29, 1969. After Regan graduated from Texas Tech University in 1970, the couple moved to Albuquerque to start their careers and family a little closer to home.

As a young mother, Mary Ann pursued her interest in art and was accepted into the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair. This led to many friendships with other artists and the eventual opening of Weems Gallery. She became an example for businesswomen in Albuquerque while maintaining the gallery for 38 years. She was also the creative inspiration for Weems International Artfest in 1983 which became part of our community for 32 wonderful years. An annual showcase for over 270 artists from New Mexico and across the country, it was held each November, and became known for the inclusion of celebrity artists including Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn and many others. Mary Ann was most proud of the inclusion of the many children who visited Artfest to meet artists and shop in Children's Artsmart. She was featured, with Lorrie Fernandez in New Mexico Woman magazine in October 2005 and in many magazines and newspaper articles over her 38 years owning and operating Weems Gallery.

Mary Ann's influence spread across the community through her arts advocacy. She served on many community boards including the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, the UNM Foundation, the Presbyterian Hospital Foundation and others. Her generosity in contributing to events and charity auctions was legendary.

Mary Ann lived an enriched life. Her true devotion was to her family, friends and her dachshunds. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Linda. She is survived by her husband Regan, her brother Michael (Nancy), her children Elizabeth Weems (George Montez), Brian Weems (Rebecca), grandchildren Parker Hoke and Eli Weems, and her nephew Dr. Jason Harrison (Nancy).

Services will be held at 10AM on August 7, 2026, at the Albuquerque Rail Yards, 777 1st. SW, Albuquerque followed by a private burial at Sunset Memorial Park.

Contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made in her name to the Animal Humane of Albuquerque or any other animal rights organization.