Donna Marie Garin

Donna Marie Garin - Donna's tenacious spirit reluctantly left her body on October 2, 2016. Donna was born in Norfolk, NE on August 22, 1923. Donna was a good student ("I know you kids don't believe it, but I was really good at math.") and, as high school salutatorian, just missed graduating in the top ten percent because there were only ten students in her class. She attended Clarke College in Dubuque, IA until the United States entered WWII. Donna enlisted in the US Navy and served in the WAVES for two years. Donna went on to work in various administrative capacities for the airlines, a newspaper and the Atomic Energy Commission, which is what brought her to Albuquerque. Never conventional, Donna enjoyed travel, skiing, golf, friends, art and plenty of socializing well into her thirties. It was at Kirtland Air Force Base (specifically, the Coronado Club) that Donna met fellow searcher, Ronald E. Garin. The two married in 1960 and raised their family in Albuquerque. Donna was Catholic, spiritual, a talented artist, a world-traveler, an excellent conversationalist who didn't shy away from talking politics and religion (often at the same time), a seeker of knowledge and justice, an avid reader and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. Donna was a lover of dogs, jewelry, blazers, enchiladas, strawberry shortcake and dry martinis. She often said she was born with a cup of laughter, but was very serious about two things, her role as a mother and as a contributor to society. Even in her last days Donna was wondering if she had, "more to do for those less fortunate." Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Anastasia Mockler and her husband, Ronald. She is survived by her daughter and husband, Marianne and Wayne Presser of Albuquerque, NM; her son and his wife, Patrick and Kelsie Garin and their children Sean and Delaney of Washington, DC; her brother and his wife, Robert and Mary Pat Mockler of Omaha, NE; her brother-in-law and his wife, Robert and Marilyn Garin of Granite City, IL; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Garin of Albuquerque, NM; and many nieces and nephews. Donna is also survived by numerous friends both old and new. Donna was a resident of Manzano Del Sol Retirement Village and became close with many wonderful people over the last four years. Her family wishes to thank her loyal friends for making all the difference in her final weeks. Your visits and well-wishes meant more than you know to both Donna and her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity. A Rosary will be recited Thursday, October 6, 2016, 8:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 9:00 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at Monzano Del Sol, 5201 Roma Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Interment will be in Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.