Janice Atchley

Janice Atchley, 79 of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Janice was born an only child of Bobbie Yell Nelson and Shirley Mabel Exter Nelson on March 26, 1945 in Albuquerque. Janice was adored by family and friends alike, and enjoyed always being involved in any event or gathering. Janice graduated from Valley High School in 1963 and soon thereafter started a family with Donnie Leonard.

Aside from raising a family, Janice always kept busy in the workplace. Janice began her life as a career woman at a dress shop and boutique named Mi-Leon Fashions. She then shifted to her passion for jewelry, becoming a fabulous Jewelry Sales Consultant for Harris Jewelers, Beauchamp Jewelers, Diamante Jewelers, and Shelton Jewelers. Janice was an expert in gemstones and metals, and never hesitated to share her knowledge and offer her assistance when asked for jewelry shopping advice by family and friends. Before retiring to focus on family, she worked as the Sponsorship Coordinator for the New Mexico State Fair for several years. Her exceptional salesperson skills and passion for her work was impactful on each customer and coworker she encountered.

Janice always remained enthusiastically involved in her children's activities throughout the years including: dance recitals, little league, YAFL, and her favorite, the Elks Club Swim Team. Many of Janice's long-term bonds were forged with parents and swimmers from the 70's and 80's that have flourished into the present. Janice also found time to champion various Valley High School Class Reunions through the years, proving one of the many ways Janice devoted herself to gathering her friends and loved ones together.

Janice married the love of her life, Dan Atchley, on March 14, 1982. Her husband Dan became not only her devoted spouse, but also committed travel partner as they visited a vast array of not only diverse climates, but also cultures. Some of their favorite places visited were Europe, India, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Janice and Dan enjoyed any and all traveling, although Vallecito Lake, their ranch in Sofia, and various beaches tended to be their favorite destinations.

Jany, as her many grandchildren would call her, spent her nights keeping up with her favorite reality television shows: The Voice, American Idol, America's Got Talent, and more. However, those grandchildren can attest to her love for a good movie, considering her persistence in movie-critiquing and vast knowledge of actors. No matter what her load of plans for one day, Jany could always fit in lunch and shopping with whichever of her loved ones would tag along.

Janice was an avid philanthropist, who loved animals and kids especially. This led to her involvement in the 4-H Youth Development Livestock Program and fundraiser for the NM Junior Livestock Foundation, as well as her position as board member of NDI Kids of New Mexico.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter-in-law Dena Leonard, and her vivacious granddaughter

Morgan Cheney. Janice is survived by her husband Dan, 11 children and stepchildren, along with 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Her Children are Tracy Leonard and Jeanne Crawford, Travis Leonard, Trisha and Frank Troncosa the III, Rob and Dee Atchley, Denni and Mike Cheney, and Kevin and Bobbie Atchley. Her Grandchildren are Bobby and Jacqi Carrillo, Mitchell Carrillo and Valerie Garcia, Jesse Troncosa, Connor Leonard, Cali Leonard, Frank Troncosa the IV, Brandon Cheney, Denny Atchley, Rylee Atchley, Kendall and Kaitlyn Atchley, Kalani and James Clifton, and Jessica Gross. Her Great Grandchildren are Jaimee, Khloe, Kodah, Elijah, and Kaydence. A celebration of Janice's life will be held later this summer at Albuquerque Country Club. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to any of the named organizations, to be announced at her celebration of life.