Adelina Maria Puccini Timofeyew

Adelina Maria Puccini Timofeyew, born Tuesday, July 6, 1915 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, beloved professor, wife, friend, and mother, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 105 years and 7 months.

After her graduation from the University of New Mexico in Music, she was accepted at the Conservatory of St. Cecelia in Rome Italy and was the first woman studying in the Composition program.   Adelina Puccini graduated and was given the title of Maestro di Composizione (Maestro of Composition).

While in Rome, she met her future husband, Nicolai Andrea Timofeyew, a Russian tenor who was a voice student.  His career eventually took him to such places as Europe, South America and throughout the United States.  They toured South America together for seven years, and they both performed at many of the prestigious opera houses.

After their return from South America, Adelina taught at the College of St. Mary of the Springs in Ohio, and also conducted the St. Mary's choir and the Notre Dame Men's choir. Upon the birth of their child, Ekaterina, they returned to New Mexico, and Adelina taught at the University of New Mexico as well as privately, composing when time allowed.  Adelina devoted herself to enriching NM musicians by teaching, composing, concerts, competitions, and associations with NM musicians' organizations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nicolai Andrea Timofeyew; her brother, Oreste L. Puccini and wife, Virginia Aragon; her sister, Virginia Maria Puccini and husband, Thomas P. Doyle; her parents, Luigi and Iole Bachechi Puccini; and grandparents, Oreste and Maria  Franceschi Bachechi.  Adelina is survived by her daughter, Ekaterina Timofeyew Zimmer-Peters and grandson, Alexander Peters, Louis Puccini and wife, Joan, Larry Puccini and wife, Karen, Annette Puccini Crabtree and husband, Bob, Richard Puccini and wife, Cassie; and several grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be given on Thursday, February 18th, 7:00 p.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE.  Funeral Mass will be on Friday, February 19th, 10:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church followed by interment at Gate of Heaven.

Flowers are welcome and may be ordered at Agave Nob Hill Florist (505-256-5252) or donations may be made to Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthrophics (www.sai-national.org/donate) for music scholarships and grants for women musicians.