Patricia Malcolm

Patricia Marie (Nelson) Malcolm, born May 13, 1944, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 16, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in both Brooklyn and Long Island, New York, with her family. She graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in 1961, and then attended Farmingdale Community College for a short time before she started working at Grumman Aircraft. It was there that she met her beloved Fred. Patricia Marie Nelson and Frederick Gerald Malcolm were married in Hicksville, New York, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on July 31, 1965.

In the winter of 1971, they moved out west to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to make their new home and life together with their children. Pat studied fine art at UNM, while raising the children, and continued to learn and explore her creativity. She was an active member of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and Risen Savior Catholic Church for many years. Pat did liturgical artwork for Risen Savior, as well as participated in the music ministry by playing guitar and singing at Mass. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister and participated in Marriage Enrichment courses with Fred over the years.

During the 1980's Pat and Fred became actively involved in supporting the sanctuary movement and helping immigrants from Central America. Pat and Fred fostered and supported many young adults and teens that were in need during those transitional years. One dear young man was Rene Vides, who lived with them for many years and became a member of their family. Pat supported the work of Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, by volunteering her time as well as her creative talents, and she painted a mural at Casa Vides. She has remained an advocate and supporter of those in need at the border for many years. She also traveled and painted murals in El Salvador in the 1990's in support of communities rebuilding.

In 1987 Pat and Fred moved to the south valley in Albuquerque and became involved with the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). Pat volunteered for many years as a graphic designer and helped with the layout for their monthly publication "Radical Grace". She supported the center's efforts to help those in need by advocating for social justice.

While raising her family, Pat was always involved in supporting her children's interests. She loved the outdoors and was in awe of nature. Pat loved gardening, birdwatching, camping, beekeeping, and would take daily walks along the acequias to her beloved Rio Grande. Pat also enjoyed swimming, reading, and listening to music. Her other passions included all types of hand crafts such as silk painting, quilting, knitting, crochet, and needlepoint. She would often make handmade gifts for her family, always adding a special touch of creativity.

In 2003, Pat and Fred moved to the north valley of Albuquerque. Pat became more involved with Earth spirituality and advocating for the environment, water, animals, and the climate. Pat and Fred continued to support those in need by volunteering their time to support the New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light. They also became involved with Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Norbertine community at the Santa María de la Vid Abbey.

Pat was a self-taught, incredibly talented artist. She explored many different kinds of creative expression and mediums over the years. She had amazing talent especially for drawing and painting. One of her masterpieces is her painting Gaia, which is a 8 foot x 8 foot oil painting that took her about a year to complete. It depicts the living beauty of our beloved Mother Earth. For a time, Pat was part of New Grounds Art Gallery where she worked on etchings and monotype printmaking. She created many beautiful images of New Mexico landscapes. She also had an art studio at Harwood Art Center. Later in her life she discovered egg tempera painting and began her series of sacred animal icons. This body of work included some of her most cherished creations. Much of Pat's art is inspired by the beauty and wonder of nature. She was very deeply connected to the Earth and had a wonderful ability to see beauty in all things. Pat had several different art shows over the years at different galleries including the South Broadway Cultural Center, Open Space Center, New Grounds Art Gallery, and Harwood Art Center. She also shared her art with close friends and family over the years. One of the interesting things about Pat's art journey is that it evolved and changed throughout her life, and no matter the medium she was working with, her creativity never ceased, but rather seemed to continue to expand. Pat believed that all art had the power to heal, and she used her gifts of creativity to help others by sharing beauty.

Pat will remain forever in the hearts of her husband, Fred Malcolm; her 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Her children are Fred Malcolm (Emily) of Denver, John Malcolm of Albuquerque, Heather Malcolm (Tim Carrell) of Albuquerque, Bernadette Bernal (Lorenzo) of Estancia, and Rene Vides of Phoenix. Her grandchildren are Ian Malcolm, Evelyn Malcolm, Javier Malcolm (Tyler), Enrico Malcolm, Merenciana Malcolm, Sevastian Malcolm, Ruben Carrell, Ginger Carrell, Jakob Bernal (Coline), Eladio Bernal, Ashley Vides, and Antonio Vides. Her great-grandchildren are Gavin and Ivy Grace. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Denis and Maureen Nelson; her sister, Liz Frey; her sister-in-law, Tommie Joe Deaton (Bill Deaton); as well as many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews, godchildren and many treasured friends; including her mischievous companion Kitty.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Louise Nelson; her brother, Harold Nelson; and her in-laws, Brenda and Ted Wendland, and Glenn Frey.

Celebration of Life & Rosary will be held Friday, September 22, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at FRENCH - University. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, 9:00 a.m., at St. Terese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque, NM. Immediately following mass, there will be a Green Burial service held at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.

There will be a reception following the services, details to be announced. Please feel free to join us in wearing any shade of blue, her favorite color.

Pat was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, Godmother, and friend. We'll always remember her laugh, smile, artistic talent, eye for beauty, and of course, her love. Pat shared her creative gifts with the world, and her love and kindness were a bright light for us all.

If you would like, please consider making a donation in Pat's name to:

Annunciation House: annunciationhouse.org

PB&J Family Services: pbjfamilyservices.org, or

The Nature Conservancy Rio Grande Water Fund: nature.org

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you

Deep peace of the shining stars to you

Deep peace of the gentle night to you

Moon and stars pour their healing light to you

Deep peace to you, deep peace to you

Ancient Gaelic Blessing