Viola Pinkham

Viola P. Pinkham, 86, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

Viola was born on December 14, 1934 in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Antonio Pino and Francis Delgado Pino. Viola lived her early life in Santa Fe with her parents and siblings. She attended Loretto Academy, graduating in 1952. After graduating she worked at the phone company. Viola met Jimmie Lee Pinkham, a young airman stationed at Moriarty AFB, NM while attending a dance in Santa Fe, the two fell in love and were married on April 16, 1955. This began a whole new life full of wonderful experiences as Viola and Jimmie spent the next 20 years traveling around the world fulfilling Jimmie's obligations to the U.S. Airforce, as well as creating a growing family of five children.

Though their travels took them to many wonderful places in Germany and many U.S. states, Viola and her husband eventually retired and settled down in Albuquerque, NM, were they lived out the remainder of their lives. Unfortunately, she lost the love of her life Jimmie in 2000. With the help of her children, Viola continued to do the things that her and Jimmie enjoyed so much, and lived a fun filled and joyous life. She was always attending as many family special occasions as she could, and was always smiling and having a great time when involved with family members.

She loved to travel and went on as many trips as she could, whether it was a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean, a weekend trip to Las Vegas, or a week long trip to a family members home in another state, she enjoyed each and every one as if it was the only trip she had ever been on. She will be remembered as a faithful wife, a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Viola was preceded in death by Jimmie, her husband of 45 years; her parents, Antonio and Francis Pino; and her sister, Marie Ortiz. She is survived by her three brothers, Antonio Pino Jr. and wife Margaret of Albuquerque, NM, Gilbert Pino and wife Alicia of Santa Fe, NM, Herman Pino and wife Pita of Santa Fe, NM; and sister, Francis Holmes and husband David of Albuquerque, NM; five children, sons, Robert L. Pinkham of Albuquerque, NM, Jimmie L. Pinkham II and wife Linda of Omaha, NE; daughter, Lorraine A. Simmons and husband Carl of Albuquerque, NM, daughter Marilyn M. Zibbon and husband Chris of Albuquerque, NM, son David L. Pinkham of Los Angeles, CA; six grandchildren, Jason C. Simmons and wife Kathryn, Katelynn M. Steward and husband Michael, Sean D. Simmons and wife Dani, Jimmie L. Pinkham III and wife Kristine, Kyle Zibbon, and David L. Pinkham II; she also had five wonderful great-grandchildren, Gunnar D. Simmons, Abbey R. Steward, Madeleine A. Simmons, Wyatt Steward, and Sophia Pinkham.

In addition to her immediate family, Viola was loved by many friends and neighbors, and numerous nieces and nephews who referred to her as Aunti Vi.  Whether or not it was as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, or as Aunti Vi, she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks to all of the family members, friends, and caretakers who helped with providing Viola such great care in her final days, and a special thanks to those who brought communion and prayed with and for her as her faith played a huge part in her life.

A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, November 7, 2021, 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on November 8, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 2621 Vermont Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Interment will be held Friday, December 3, 2021, 12:45 p.m. in Santa Fe National Cemetery.