Carol Ann Klein

Carol Ann Lossing Klein took her last quiet breath early July 29, 2021, singing off on a life that was generally well-lived, loved by her family and with few regrets. She fought valiantly against ever increasing odds to rid her body of the medical maladies that gradually increased in recent months. God finaly eased her pain. Born Carol Ann Lossing on March 22, 1941, to James and Vera Lossing in Fresno, CA. The family moved to Albuquerque when she was three years old. She was the eldest of three siblings which are her surviving brothers Jim Ray Lossing, Olathe, Kansas and Danny Lossing, Lincoln, Nebraska.

If there were one phrase that most described her, it would be that she cared deeply for others whether they be family or not. “Talent Unlimited” she had it. She had name tags for painting, miniatures, for sewing, for quilting and for embroidering. These are things that she also passed on to the grandkids. She had high esteem for most everyone she knew, met or came across and unlimited love for her family. Regrets, sure, not getting to Hawaii or Alaska.

Carol could be considered a “Valley Girl” having graduated from Valley High in 1959. She initiated employment with the Atomic Energy Commission and commuted daily to the base via her pink Studebaker Lark. It was there that she first saw what was to become the love of her life. She finagled a blind date with Dave through another young employee of the commission in early 1961. It was never determined who was more smitten, but six weeks later on May 27, 1961, the two were married at the Harwood Methodist Church.  Her mother’s aside was overheard that “this was not going to last”.

The couple proceeded to raise three daughters, Laurie (Marine, CA), Cheryl (Chandler, AZ), and Deana (Maplewood, MN) Carol became a stay-at-home mom, thereby maximizing the bond so necessary to a family. The ABCs were presented in the home and not in “it takes a village to raise a family” concept. Carol also found time to be involved in the Albuquerque Genealogy Club rising to the office of President. Being a miniaturist in NAME; and then becoming an excellent quilter belonging to NMQA and TAS in Albuquerque.

Being Dukes, Lobo, and Braves fans were family times. As the girls were growing up, nightly outings to the Dukes brought about life long friendships with some of the players moving through Albuquerque. Of particular was one named Jerry Royster, a subsequent Atlanta Brave. His friendship brought her family to his home in Atlanta in the summer and many Braves games. At Jerry’s behest, Carol and Dave would travel to Hilton Head Island, SC, in the fall to participate in golf tournaments with MLB players and their friends. Beachcombing on the Island became the thing to do at low tide with shark’s teeth finding competitions ever ongoing.

As ballooning became “the thing” in Albuquerque, she and her family joined a crew that on weekends would soar and chase across the west side of Albuquerque. She volunteered as a Field Judge during annual Fiestas. As an aside, she heard that Pepsi was interviewing prospective bit players for a then to be filmed Pepsi ballooning commercial in the Albuquerque area. Carol took her daughter to Winrock Mall and went through the interview process. Both she and Deana were called back and appeared in a national Pepsi ballooning commercials the following year. Many hours were spent watching television looking for the commercial. It goes without saying which soda is the soft drink choice of the Klein clan.

There wasn’t a flamingo or turtle that she didn’t care for. Pink flamingos were the favorites and having a couple dozen turtles in the backyard was considered to be perfect.

Carol did take under her wing an additional family. During the 80’s, she became mother to a number of Xavier Roberts Original Little People babies {soft sculpture dolls} she was so taken with the fad, she became a part of the store in Albuquerque that was the “adoption” center. She even traveled to the Little People hospital in Georgia, meeting with the staff and Xavier in person. Even though the fad has faded a large number of babies still reside in the house.

Beside her husband Dave of 60 years, daughters, and brothers, Carol is survived by her grandchildren, Archie, Sammy, Alice, Reagan, and Gabby. Also, surviving are nieces, Jimmie Ruth, Jade, and Carrie; nephew, Sean. There wasn’t a day that Carol didn’t enjoy doing artsy crafty activities with the grandkids.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of French Funerals – Lomas. Interment will take place at a later date with Dave’s family in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Deadwood, SD.