Esther Deaguero Welp

After a long illness, Esther Deaguero Welp passed away at home on May 16, 2021, at the age of 83.

Esther was born in Trinidad, Colorado, to Joseph and Catherine Deaguero, both now deceased. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School, graduated high school from St. Vincent's Academy, and attended the Browns Business School in Albuquerque. She met her husband, Francis "Frank" Welp, after accidentally sitting in his seat at the NCO Club at Kirtland Air Force Base. After that propitious meeting, what followed was a marriage of 56 years. She enjoyed their various duty stations with the US Army in several states, Okinawa, and Germany before the family returned to New Mexico, where she worked for many years at Sandia National Laboratories.

She had a great interest in genealogy research and a passion for the history of New Mexico and Southern Colorado. She delighted in discovering relatives from across the country and reconnecting with them through social media. She played the piano and shared her love of art as a docent at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. A member of St. John XXIII Parish, she was a constant companion for her husband's many activities with the Knights of Columbus, which included his tenure as State Deputy.

She is survived by her husband; their three children, John, Catherine, and Joseph; four grandchildren, Colin, William, and twins Fae and Gideon; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Michael, Richard and Kay, and Roderick and Gina; nephews, Aric (spouse Jessica) and Andre; niece, Kimball; and great grandnieces/nephews, Aden, Christian, Aubriella, Alyzabeth, Simone, Keelan and Nehemiah; and many cousins and friends. The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the many family members who comforted her in her last days. A special gratitude is extended to Fr. Gonzales in the administration of the Last Rites of the Church.

A Rosary and Reception will be held Friday, May 21, 2021, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albuquerque Museum.