Estelle MacKenzie

MacKENZIE, ESTELLE DAWSONMacKenzie, Estelle Dawson, age 79, passed away on August 3, nearly two years following a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig 's disease). She faced this challenge with faith, courage, dignity and grace. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Donald R. MacKenzie; daughters, Sheri Martinez and husband LeeRoy, Debra MacKenzie and husband Todd Thompson; three granddaughters, Sara Brasher and husband John, Lydia Martinez, Kelsey Thompson and grandson, Jaron Thompson; sisters Alice Davis, and Hattie Joe Moser and her husband Jack; and brother Jerry Dawson and his wife Linda and many friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her sister Helen Krebbs. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Estelle's caregivers, in particular, Debbie, Petra, Rebecca, LouEllen and Amber. Estelle was born and raised near Muleshoe Texas. She received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist College. She moved to Albuquerque to become the secretary for Heights Baptist Church where she met her husband, Don. She worked for Hoffmantown Baptist Church, Sohio, and as a Certified Professional Secretary for Sandia National Laboratories before her retirement. She was extremely active in volunteer activities and the church communities at Heights and Eastern Hills Baptist Churches. She loved to host large extended family gatherings for any special occasion, where she made everyone welcome. All who met her noticed her beautiful smile and peaceful spirit. She was a true servant of her Lord Jesus.Visitation will be held at French-Lomas on Monday, August 6 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Eastern Hills Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Larry Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico ALS Chapter, the National ALS Association, or the Myelin Repair Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis research.