Mary Caroline Lafrenz

Mary Caroline Lafrenz, faithful daughter, sister and friend entered this world on December 27, 1922 has now joined the companionship of her mother, father, brother and friends in the grace filled presence of our Divine Lord July 26, 2015. Mary was always faithful to her word. She was always gracious and even the simplest treats were described by her as being elegant. Amongst her favorite things were Macaroni and Cheese, Pimento Cheese Sandwiches, Fresh Tomatoes with salt, Celery grown by her father and Oyster Stew made by her mother every Christmas. She had a flare for storytelling and would rivet you with stories growing up in her home town of Santa Rita. These stories would rival any Disney tale be it her narratives about two sisters known as the Gold Dust Twins and their mean goat that would chase you down if its gate were left open or climbing the peach tree to keep vigil over one dangling peace that each family member would watch with drooling tongues only to find it gone one morning after the mailman had visited. No evidence. No conviction. Worse of all, no peach. But perhaps the lasting fruit of all this was Mary’s constant growth in fidelity to her word, her promise, her mother, her brother and friend. As I said, she was ever faithful, faithful to the end be it protecting a peach, watching over her mother and caring for her brother. She is preceded in death by her father, William H. Lafrenz; mother Mary Elizabeth Lafrenz; and brother Father James M. Lafrenz all of Albuquerque. She is survived by her sister Barbara Ella Dora Massey and caregivers, Fred Porter and Diego Gonzalez. Her joys were anything that had to do with learning something new, reading maps and traveling, especially when it included her mom. All Mary had to do was pick up the keys and mother would lose the kitchen apron and be sitting shotgun in the car before Mary could even ask the words, “Mom, would you like to…”. Mary did travel to Hawaii and Paris and spent most of her time marveling at Notre Dame Architecture. One of her fondest memories was traveling to Pennsylvania with her mother and brother after he was chosen to concelebrate mass with Pope John Paul, II. Her accomplishments were many ranging from the high school band, tennis awards and recognition for outstanding contributions to the Government Industry Data Exchange Program at Sandia Labs. But her greatest accomplishment was the ability to befriend anyone who were lucky enough to visit with her. She always found interest in whatever you had to tell her and was less concerned about you having to find her interesting. Rosary will be recited on Thursday, July 30, 2015, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 31, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness this day in Mary’s name or having a Mass said for the Lafrenz family.