Joan (Roth) Guenther

Joan Roth Guenther, a long-time resident of Albuquerque, passed away April 12, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 7, 1933, and raised in West New York, NJ, Joan married her high school sweetheart Dr. Art Guenther. She was an award-winning seamstress, efficient bookkeeper, conference organizer, frequent volunteer at her children’s schools, and active Toastmaster. Joan loved to travel - especially with family (her biggest travel buddies were Art and TK) – and made it to six continents.

Joan is survived by daughter Tracie (aka TK) O'Geary (Dan), daughter, Wendy Gallegos  (Ralph); grandchildren Chelsea Gonzales (Gabriel), and Cassie Garrison (Brice). Joan was preceded in death by her husband Art Guenther, son Gregory, parents Grace M. and Edward J. Roth, and sisters Marge Steiner, Miggsie Bonavito, and Dorothy Roth.

She was a 54+ year season ticket holder and BIG UNM Lobo Basketball fan. Joan cheered wildly when a Lobo scored and heckled fans who left before the game ended. Joan would rather go to a game alone, than go with someone who didn’t know how to be an enthusiastic, loyal, stay-to-the-end fan.

Any day that involved her grandchildren was a highlight. Joan loved spoiling them. She stretched her comfort zone to support and share in their activities, including the all-day ones in barns and natatoriums. Joan’s favorite times were when she could get her granddaughters to herself. Her joy was multiplied when the grandsons-in-law arrived.

Joan loved family with pure energy, always making sure we didn’t take life or ourselves too seriously, making sure humor was a part of every day. Playing games, especially cards, with family was a favorite pastime. She loved being with people and sharing experiences, approaching each day with a smile. She had the heart of a true supporter – celebrating everyone when they did their best. Joan demonstrated to us all what true love was supposed to look like. In her words, we say to our beloved Mom/Gram "Bye Toots" – what a life well lived. She inspired us all to find something to enjoy, smile, or laugh about; to spend with family and loved ones, and to look for opportunities to share a smile. The viewing will be held at, Monday, April 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. A funeral mass to celebrate Joan’s life will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave NE. Please wear something colorful.

In lieu of flowers, you can donate to one of these non-profits to carry forward Joan’s passions. Memorial contributions in the Guenther name can be made to Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers, PO Box 26272, Abq., NM 87125 or NM MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement), 2808 Central SE, Abq, NM 87106.