Kileen A. Scott

Kileen Ann Scott passed peacefully in her home Friday, August 31, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Her loving husband, Dale Scott, her amazing daughter Whitney Dei, and one of her four brothers whom she loved dearly, David Vandam were all at her side.

Kileen was born at a navel base hospital in Guam, on US territory, January 23, 1949 to mother, Lieutenant Florence Vandam and father, Commander Irwin “Van” Vandam, both of the United States Navy. She resided in many places as a child of military parents and finally settled in Albuquerque where her mother and father retired honorably in 1958. Kileen graduated from Del Norte High School in 1967 where she was “head” varsity cheerleader, member of the State Student Council, and in 1966 was selected to Girls State. In 1971, Kileen attended the University of New Mexico and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation. She was a varsity cheerleader all four years while at UNM and was named “All-American” her senior year. Kileen was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and lived on campus at the Kappa House where she made life long friends. She enjoyed attending and supporting UNM varsity athletic programs, which included wrestling, Dale’s sport. No matter how small the attendance (which at times was as little as 300 people), she made a point of being there and cheering on her “Lobos”. Upon graduation from UNM, Kileen began a 27 year career with the Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department, retiring in 1998. While at Parks and Recreation, Kileen oversaw the management of all community centers. She helped start and develop many programs still in existence today; Summerfest, Arts in the Parks, the “Great Race” down the Rio Grande, the Children’s Sack Lunch Program and the Pre-School Program for children of working parents.

Kileen was a Jazzersize Instructor, which fed her passion for dance and exercise. Years after teaching Jazzercise she found a new dance “Shabam” at Albuquerque Sports & Wellness, which she loved. This resulted in an exercise regime that she faithfully participated in six days a week. After retiring from the City of Albuquerque, Kileen worked for Rick Johnson and Co. Advertising, the New Mexico State Fair as Assistant Director, and The New Mexico State Lottery. When Dale began his career in Real Estate, Kileen partnered with him and formed a very successful Home Management and Decorating Company. Many envied Kileen for her keen vision in staging, decorating, and renovating homes. She staged many of Dale’s listings, which contributed to helping the homes sell quickly and for list price. She became very active in community volunteer work. Kileen sat on the Susan G. Komen Board of Directors and established lifelong “Komen Girls” friendships. She was an active Popejoy Volunteer and cherished her work with them. Her bowling group, investment club, and “Friday Night” group were all near and dear to her. Lifelong friendships evolved from these social activities which have made lasting impressions on all who knew her. Kileen’s smile, vibrant personality, and positive character were contagious and will be sorely missed by all.

Kileen’s number one priority was her close relationship to her family. Kileen was the “rock” and the matriarch that kept everyone in her family together. But her role as “A Mother “ was where Kileen excelled and was most proud. As her children grew and had children of their own, Kileen created a special holiday - “Thanksmas” which was held the Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving week. She knew she would have to share her children and grandchildren with their other families, so “Thanksmas” became a mandatory get together, which all family members participated in, enthusiastically. Kileen also made sure to make each of her family members feel special on all occasions and never allowed herself to miss any family celebration.

Kileen is preceded in death by her parents, Commander Irwin and Lieutenant Florence Vandam of Albuquerque, NM. She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Dale Scott; son, Kile Hanold and wife Kelley (children Avery, Markam and Jordie) of Wilmette, IL; daughter, Whitney Dei and husband Ryan (children Daylin and Greyson) of Gilbert, AZ; son, Jake Scott (daughter Aly) of Las Vegas, NV; son, M.J. Hanold and wife Neela (children Forest, Luke, Christopher and Nikolas) of Kenilworth, IL; eight siblings; sister, Vera Benson and husband, Donald of Carpinteria, CA; brother, Gerry Vandam and wife Liz of Mound, MN; brother, Rick Vandam and wife Denise of Reno, NV; sister, Winette Tomeny and husband Terry of Florence, OR; brother, David Vandam and wife Ginny of Austin, TX; brother, Charlie Vandam and wife Joanie of Missoula, MT; sister, Judy Prada and husband David of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law and dear friend, Jodi Holley of Albuquerque, NM; and in addition many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 15th, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Popejoy Hall on the University of New Mexico campus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Kileen’s name to the Animal Humane Society of New Mexico, 615 Virginia Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.