Jeanette Galliard

Jeanette Marie Galliard, 87, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on April 18, 2024, after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. She was born on February 20, 1937, in Thornton, Illinois, the only child of Andrew and Beatrice Galliard. They lived on a small acreage farm, with Andrew working at a factory by day, and then on the side, raising and selling chickens at first, and then later, turkeys. She grew up with a love for the outdoors, instilled by her father, who often took her boating and fishing. Family vacations usually consisted of short tent camping trips. Her love of dolls and doll houses started as a child, as her parents presented her with a new doll every year until she was 14. Her intense love of reading was instilled in her by her mom, who would read to her almost every night as a child, while some of her cats joined her on the bed to listen.

Jeanette started her nursing career as a nurse's aide at age 17 in 1954. All the training nurse's aides received in those days was "on the job". Twelve years later, in 1966, after more schooling, and having her first three sons, Jeanette became a registered nurse. She served in that capacity, in various roles, for the next 50 years, finally retiring in early 2016. Along the way, she earned her BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from the University of Wisconsin in 1976. Then later in 2003, she earned a Master of Servant Leadership from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

She was a devout member of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Albuquerque, NM, where she found solace and community.

In her free time, Jeanette was an avid traveler who visited almost all 50 states in the USA, 11 countries in Europe, plus several countries working in Africa as a nursing volunteer. She enjoyed camping, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities. Her love for animals, especially cats and dogs, led her to rescue and care for numerous furry companions over the years.

Jeanette is survived by her sons: Howard Hecox (Lindy), Timothy Kennelly (Vicky), Adam Olszewski (Kimberly), and daughter-in-law Sandy Kennelly. She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Beatrice Galliard, and her son Andrew Kennelly. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Patrick Hecox, Krystle Hecox, Eleanore Hecox, Connor Kennelly, Ryan Kennelly, Erin Kennelly, and great-grandchildren Ryelle Kennelly, and Dylan Listy.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at French Funeral Home, 9300 Golf Course Rd., Albuquerque, NM. Family-only visitation will be from 4:00-5:00 pm, followed by open visitation from 5:00-6:00 pm, with the Rosary at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeanette's memory can be made to Best Friends Animal Society & Sanctuary at 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, Utah 84741, or online at https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary.