Annette Marrs

MARRS, ANNETTE CHESNUTAge 88, a resident of Albuquerque, died Thursday, November 15, 2012. Annette stated that Albuquerque, NM is the greatest place in the world to live. She loved the climate and the people. She and her husband felt welcomed the day they arrived. There seemed no limit to the possibilities of volunteering and that is what Annette had been doing all of her life. The opportunities to help the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center by being on the Board of the Friends were endless. It had opened a few days after her arrival. Before becoming President of that Board, she had obtained over 400 volunteers for the Center. Having survived breast cancer a few years earlier, she became a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, becoming President of the Board and establishing the Look Good Feel Better Program in New Mexico. Annette traveled throughout the state, establishing the program for breast cancer patients in all major medical facilities in the state. She received the Quality of Life, Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, State & National Look Good Feel Better awards and the ultimate volunteer award for the American Cancer Society: the St. George National American Cancer Society Award. The Nancy Floyd Haworth Memorial Cancer Lectureship recognized Annette by awarding her their Spirit of Hope Award and she was nominated for The People's Caring Award by the organization People Living Through Cancer. Several years ago after participating in an art show in the Governor's Gallery for Breast Cancer Survivors, who are artists, Annette helped establish ON BORROWED TIME. The cancer survivor group shows their work at hospitals, businesses, conventions and meetings. The Readers Theater has grown out of this work and ON BORROWED TIME hopes to educate and encourage the public to learn more about cancer prevention and cure. Participating in The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra Guild, Albuquerque Guild of the Santa Fe Opera, the Albuquerque Museum Support Council and Chairman of Docents Program, President of the Reserve Officers Association Ladies, All Faiths Receiving Home Board and the Governor's Mansion Foundation Board made her feel all the more welcome. After volunteering in Washington, D.C. for the State Department's Program for Improving Foreign Relations, Annette was asked to establish the Albuquerque Council for International Visitors, which has some years brought over 400 International Visitors to Albuquerque. She established the Board and guidelines for all committees. Annette chaired the Albuquerque United Nations Day Celebration and served on the Mayor's Liaison Board with Sister Cities. As a surprise Christmas present some years ago her children established the Annette Chesnut Marrs Foundation in her honor. It will recognize and support those outstanding in the arts and who are active in community affairs. Over the years, Annette served on the Board of her Methodist Church and President of the Methodist Women's Society, worked as Public Relations Representative for Flying Tiger Airlines, helped construct and manage apartments for handicapped adults, worked in an accounting office, been secretary to three Methodist ministers, been a newsletter publisher for the largest church in Virginia and managed a medical office. Participating in politics to some extent had been an interest of Annette's since the first time she voted. Her home and oriental garden were open to candidates for lectures and fundraisers for many years. Annette was recognized by Congresswoman Heather Wilson as one of the Women Sustaining the American Spirit in recognition of her courage and vision. She was president of her political club and on the county and state central committees. "Voting is a privilege we should not ignore," states Annette. Serving as leader of a Girl Scout troop and den mother for Cub Scouts were probably her life's most challenging experiences. She is survived by her daughter, Lee Marrs of Berkeley,CA; stepdaughter Priscilla Newburger of Corvallis, OR; stepson, John Marrs of Auburn, AL; son, Bill Marrs of Springfield, IL; and son, James Marrs of San Angelo,TX. There are 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mrs. Marrs was preceded in death by her stepson Anthony Marrs, son Dodson Marrs, and husband Theodore C. Marrs. Annette was charming, gracious, generous and glamorous to all who knew her. Services will be private. It is understood that she would have made an excellent ruler of some small principality, such as Luxembourg or Lichtenstein. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit our online guest book for Annette at Lomas Blvd NE505-275-3500