Dolores Cano

Dolores Consuelo Chavez Cano of Albuquerque and formerly of Ranchos de Taos, NM began her journey with God as the sun came up, on March 3, 2024, at the age of 92.

Dolores was born in Ranchos de Taos, NM the first of three children to Bernabé and Anita Chavez on March 16, 1931. She attended primary school and high school in Taos, NM. Dolores received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics from New Mexico State University. She then went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and an Administrative Certificate from the University of New Mexico.

While at NMSU, she met and married Gilbert L. Cano. They were happily married and dedicated to each other for 71 blessed years. Dolores loved attending to her family and her home. She raised four beautiful, well-educated daughters and she was known for being a great cook. She planned and cooked many unforgettable family dinners and parties.

Dolores dedicated her life to her family and to the field of education. Her parents stressed the importance of education and this became an integral part of her life. She taught briefly in Taos and in Las Cruces, and held numerous positions in the Albuquerque Public Schools. She taught four year olds to juniors and seniors in college. Dolores was one of the first of 13 kindergarten teachers to teach in the Albuquerque Public Schools. She then became a clinical supervisor for student teachers at the University of New Mexico. During that time, Dolores was asked by, and accepted, a position in Gov. Gary Carruthers administration as a member of The New Mexico Children's Trust Fund. She ended her educational career as a Principal at La Mesa Elementary School. After 25 years in public education Dolores retired to pursue her other interests. She was loved and admired by all those who worked with her.

Dolores loved to travel with her husband wherever his work took him and after retirement continued to travel the world. They traveled to Japan, Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Mexico, Israel, and many cities in the U.S. Their travels also included ocean and riverboat cruises, trips to Central and South America, Egypt, China and Canada.

Dolores had many hobbies which included sewing, quilting, gardening, reading and playing bridge. One of her many quilts won The People's Choice Award at the NM State Fair in 2020.

Dolores was an active member of Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Church and volunteered for many positions in the parish community. She was involved with the Catholic Women's Guild and the Bridge Club. She was also a member of the Kirkland Air Force Base Thunderbird Club and many professional organizations.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents Bernabé and Anita Chavez, and her brother David. She is survived by her husband Gilbert L. Cano, her daughters Melinda Cano Howes (Ron), of Los Lunas, Cynthia Cano Riddle (Guy) of Escondido, CA, Carla Cano of Los Lunas, Marissa Cano Montaño, two grandchildren Michael Montaño (Kim), Marina Montaño Lopez (Juan) and three great grandchildren Josiah, Layla and Ezekiel Montaño all of Las Cruces, as well as her sister Virginia Laughlin, of Ranchos de Taos, sisters-in-law Emilie Cano of Las Cruces and Pat Cano of Silver City and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Dolores will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her beauty, grace and sense of style has influenced many and will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Casa Angelica or to Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Church in her memory.

A Rosary will be held for Dolores at French Funeral Home on Wyoming Boulevard on March 12th at 6 p.m. and Dolores' life celebration will be held on March 13th at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Annunciation Church, followed by interment.