RECENT OBITUARIES
LOCAL OBITUARIES FOR ALBUQUERQUE, NM, BERNALILLO COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS.
Chester French
September 27, 1966
In 1904, Chester T. French moved to Albuquerque from East Tennessee. He brought his brother to the dry climate because he had tuberculosis. His brother died shortly after his move, but Chester French fell in love with Albuquerque and decided to make it his home. In 1907, he founded French Mortuary because he had a strong desire to be in...
Excelso Aragon
March 21, 2009
Excelso Aragon, 86, a resident of Albuquerque, formerly of Valencia, NM, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009.
Mr. Aragon was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Esac and Raquel Aragon; brother, Isidro Aragon; sister, Mary Castillo brother-in-law, Jimmie Castillo.
He is survived by his children, Vicky Reyes and son-in-law Martin, Gilbert Jose Aragon and daughter-in-law, Denise, John Anthony Aragon, Mauricia Susan...
Barbara McClain
October 18, 2026
We are saddened to share that Barbara McClain passed away on October 18, 2026. French Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.
Elmer Ray Hackworth, Jr.
October 16, 2026
Elmer Ray ("Ray") Hackworth, Jr., age 87, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 16, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1938, in Dillon, Arkansas to Elmer Ray, Sr. and Oma Anna Hull Hackworth.
In his professional life, he was a banker, primarily in Arkansas. He was an avid supporter of the Jaycee organization for over 50 years...
Ramon Velarde
October 16, 2026
We are saddened to share that Ramon Velarde passed away on October 16, 2026. French Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.
Ruth Louise Brito
October 15, 2026
Our Mother, Ruth Louise Brito took her last breath on October 15, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was blessed with a long life that she devoted to the care of others through nursing, parenting, and her devotion to her family and friends.
She enjoyed a successful career as a Registered Nurse, beginning at Hotel Dieu Hospital in El Paso, Texas,...
Josephine "Josey" Ann Espinoza
October 15, 2026
Josephine Ann Espinoza, known as Josey to close friends and family, was born in Albuquerque, NM on January 21, 1999. She grew up in Placitas, then moved with her mom to Florida for a few years before returning to New Mexico. Josey put herself through college at ASU while working at Starbucks, receiving a bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology. She returned...
Robert Hayes Scott
October 13, 2026
Robert Hayes Scott passed away on October 13, 2026. Born April 21, 1947, he was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque and graduated from Highland High School in 1965. He received a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of New Mexico, where he was in Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He had a distinguished legal career, including time in...
Bernard "Al" Jones
October 13, 2026
Al was born on June 4, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio to Bernard and Rita Jones, nee Walsh, now both deceased. He has 2 brothers and 5 sisters that he shared his childhood with. He graduated from Bay High in 1968, immediately joined the Navy and served until 1974. He was married to Charlotte in 1972 and was married for 54...
Charlotte Louise Stinebaugh
October 13, 2026
We are saddened to share that Charlotte Louise Steinebaugh passed away on October 13, 2026. French Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.
Maureen Greer Wright
October 13, 2026
Maureen's spirit took flight while she slept peacefully. She was known for her sunny disposition, bright smile, and deep curiosity. A beloved friend to many, she is survived by her son, Adam, and daughter-in-law, Anne; grandson, Jeremy, his wife, Elysa, and granddaughter, Carrie; as well as two great-grandchildren, Avery and Benjamin (children of Jeremy). She is survived by her great-niece,...
Forrest Ray LaVail
October 12, 2026
Forrest Ray LaVail, 71, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a family who loved him dearly.
Born on August 19, 1955, in Bossier City, Louisiana, Forrest was the youngest son of the late Melvin "Buddy" LaVail and Betty Ray LaVail.
Forrest proudly served his community as a police officer before retiring from law...
Jesse Sanchez
October 12, 2026
Jesse Sanchez, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the age of 94. He was born in Cimarron, New Mexico, to Jose Sanchez and Cenovia Valencia Sanchez. He was raised in Taos NM and Espanola NM before moving to Albuquerque where he attended the University of NM. He was married to Josephine...
Arthur Ray Windham
October 11, 2026
We are saddened to announce the passing of Arthur Ray Windham. Arthur was born July 29, 1974, to Don and Jeanne Windham in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He passed away October 11, 2026. He had two siblings, Donald Ray Windham II and Stormy Windham (significant other, Brent Thompson). He loved his nieces and nephew, Illiazha Durfee, Akausha Stuart (husband, Sean Stewart),...
Timothy John Connelly
October 11, 2026
Timothy was born on Tuesday, April 9, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of John Joseph Connelly and Margaret MacQuaid. He died on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Albuquerque after a brief illness.
His young life was spent in Miami, Florida, where he attended High School.
Right after high school graduation in 1966, in the midst of the Vietnam conflict,...
Pamela Evans
October 11, 2026
We are saddened to share that Pamela Evans has passed away on October 11, 2026. French Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.
Eleanor Gladys Hawthorn
October 9, 2026
Eleanor Gladys Hawthorn Born August 25th 1947. Passed peacefully on October 9th 2026.
Eleanor will be remembered and cherished by her loving family and all those whose lives she touched over her 79 year journey. Eleanor was known for her loving and caring heart as she was always willing to do what she could to help others and her loved...
James Craig Pacini
October 8, 2026
Jim Pacini, born August 3, 1961, in Albuquerque, NM, to James and Claudia Pacini. He passed away on October 8th, 2026 in Rio Rancho, NM.
He spent his life in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, where he built a family, friendships, memories, and caused a bit of mischief. He lived with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for many years, meeting intense challenges with courage...
Lisa Helman
October 8, 2026
Lisa Lassen Helman, age 77, went to meet her Lord peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Lisa was born in Albuquerque on Friday, Oct. 29, 1948 to Eric Henry and Elizabeth Ida Roehl Lassen.
She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Christine Doughty (husband Daniel), daughter-in-law Brenda Pagan (husband Roger), granddaughter Lauren Helman, step-grandchildren Austin and Kennedee Markham, two nieces, Carolyn...
Jessica Marie Otero
October 7, 2026
Jessica Marie Otero, a beloved member of the Albuquerque community, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on May 16, 1944, in El Cerro, NM, Jessica lived a life filled with love, faith, and countless cherished memories. She dedicated over 30 years as a receptionist at the University of New Mexico, where her warm...



