Lucinda Ann (Knepper) Shellenberger

Lucinda Ann (Knepper) Shellenberger, age 85, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2019 with her children and grandchildren by her side. Cindy was born on Friday, May 18, 1934, in Altoona, PA, and was a resident of Albuquerque since 1978. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ada Knepper; brother, Joseph Knepper; son-in-law, Lloyd Brethouwer; and her loving husband of 60 years, Edwin L. Shellenberger. Cindy is survived by her children, Sherry (Mary Sue) Shellenberger, Shelley Brethouwer, Ed III, and Sandey (Rafe) Guidice; and grandchildren, Ryan, Mckenna, and Bennett Guidice.

Cindy graduated from Bryn Mawr School of Nursing and worked as a nurse in the Labor and Delivery Ward as well as the “Accident Ward” (today known as the Emergency Room). Cindy became a homemaker as she and Ed raised their four children. Cindy was a generous volunteer for her church, Special Olympics events, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, in her children’s classrooms and schools, and as an advocate for her son with special needs. She enjoyed taking bible study classes, teaching Catechism classes to children, and was a member of several bridge groups. Twice a week for many years, she could be found in the pool doing water aerobics with her friends. Cindy was a loyal fan of the UNM Lobos and the Philadelphia Eagles, and loved to listen to the games and cheer on her teams. Cindy and Ed traveled extensively to national parks and state parks, and always enjoyed camping with their family in the Jemez Mountains. Cindy was devoted to her Catholic Faith and looked forward to visits from the Marianites of Annunciation Catholic Church that came to deliver communion to her each week. She maintained an active prayer list and was grateful to be able to pray for anyone in need. Often, when Cindy’s friends met her children, they would say, “Cindy sure is a special friend to me.” Her kindness, compassion, generosity, and sense of humor were evident to all who knew her.

Cindy loved her family and cherished spending time together. She especially loved her daily lunchtime visits with her children. Cindy delighted in being a “Grammie,” and it brought her so much joy when her three grandchildren would play their musical instruments, read books to her, bring her chocolate treats, and talk with her about their activities and daily life.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 4, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE., with a Reception immediately following.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at A Love for Life and Hospice de la Luz for the exceptional and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics of New Mexico at http://www.sonm.org