Catherine Bernice (Thomas) Esterly

Catherine Bernice Esterly, 71, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, since 1987, died May 18, 2022. She is survived by her husband of fifty-one year's Brian Esterly of Albuquerque NM, her children Timothy, Steven and wife Jackie, grandchildren Nolan, Logan, Riley Rose, and Addison Grace Esterly all from Albuquerque, brothers David and wife Pam Thomas from Buellvue CO., Tom Thomas from Hilo, HI., Lance and wife Jen Thomas from Ladue MO., and sister Peggy Michelle and husband David Sexton from Kansas City, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Betty Thomas of Kansas City, KS. Cathy was born in Denver, CO., spent her formative years in Overland Park, KS. before moving to Colorado Springs, CO., where she graduated high school from Wasson HS. in 1969. Later that year, she met Brian, who was serving in the US Air Force at the time. They were married in Greeley, CO. On January 2nd, 1971, and took up residence In Wiesbaden, Germany while still in the Air Force. She loved living in Europe, traveling and trying the new cuisine and met many lifelong friends. It was there that their first son, Steven, was born. They then relocated to Kirtland AFB, NM, where Cathy embarked on what would become a long and fruitful career in banking. In 1976, they were reassigned to Edwards AFB, CA., and shortly thereafter, their second son, Timothy was born. The family enjoyed traveling, camping, and sightseeing in Southern CA., and Cathy was hired by a new upstart Antelope Valley Bank in nearby Lancaster, CA., as a Customer Service Representative. She progressed to become CSR Supervisor to a large cadre of bank tellers, and would continue in that position until, in 1987, the family relocated again, this time, back to Albuquerque. She quickly went to work for the University of New Mexico as Supervisor of Cashiers in the Bursar's Office and went on to subsequent positions with Boatman's, Sunwest Bank, Bank of America, and Valley Federal S&L.

Cathy had attended Catholic schools while growing up in Kansas City, and she was deeply involved in various church activities over the years. She taught Sunday school at Edwards AFB and served as President of the Alter Rosary Society at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Albuquerque, among others. Her most cherished experience was taking a trip to Lourdes, France, to tour and visit holy sites related to St. Bernadette's life.

Saying goodbye to her professional life, Cathy finally had time to devote to her children and grandchildren, enjoying summertime barbeques and swim parties at home, and having holiday gatherings with family and friends. She loved spending a few days each year in Durango, CO., and Red River NM.

A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, June 14th, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Wyoming, with Deacon Terry Palmer reciting. Services will be held June 15th, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH-Wyoming.