Barbara Wheelock

WHEELOCK, BARBARAWas born September, 1919, in Vallejo, CA to George Wheelock, Sr. and Lorena O'Gara Wheelock. Her paternal great- grandfather was an early settler of Northern California, arriving there from New England during the gold rush of 1849. Her great-grandmother followed and arrived in San Francisco after making the journey around the horn of South America. Her maternal great-grandfather, James Leeson, was born in Ireland, and after service in the Civil War, settled in Socorro, New Mexico in 1879. He was a well-known leader in the Territory and early days of New Mexico. Her parents moved from the Bay Area of California to Albuquerque in 1926. She graduated from Albuquerque High and attended Business College. She was employed in the office of the Assistant Chief of Engineers in Washington, DC during World War II. Near the end of the war, she returned to Albuquerque and worked for the military at both Kirtland Field and Sandia Base, but the balance of her career was as an employee of Sandia Laboratories. She retired from there after twenty-five years. Left to grieve is her beautiful Pruny. She is survived by her sister, Rose Tafoya and husband Herman; sister-in-law, Carolyn Wheelock, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, George Wheelock Jr., who lost his life in World War II, brother David Wheelock, and brother, James Wheelock, Sr; and last beloved dog, Tina. She was known for her love of animals and many abandoned dogs and cats found a home with her. She loved them all and they have been waiting for her. Now they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge together. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at FRENCH - University, 1111 University Blvd. NE. Interment with follow at Fairview Memorial Park.