Loretta Crifasi

Our 98-year-old mother, Loretta Anne Crifasi, passed away on November 18, 2021 at the UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. Mom passed away several days after taking a fall at her home in Albuquerque. She is survived by her three sons, Paul R. Crifasi of Albuquerque, Richard P. Crifasi and his wife Gerri of Davidson, NC, Robert R. Crifasi and his wife Tina of Boulder, CO. Mom had two grandsons, Chris Crifasi of Charlotte, NC and Joe Crifasi and his wife Cara and their daughters Abby and Ellie of Highlands Ranch, CO. She is preceded in death by her husband Paul Crifasi who passed away in August of 2010.

Loretta Anne Kuffner was born on May 16, 1923 in Staten Island, NY. She married Paul on May 31, 1947 and took the Crifasi surname. As the youngest child, and only daughter, in a family with seven older brothers, she gained the nickname "Babe." Loretta and Paul lived on Staten Island before moving to Albuquerque, NM to avoid being "long-distance grandparents." She was an exceptional high energy person, a devout Catholic, and a UNM Lobo basketball fan with season tickets for forty years.

Mom was an accomplished woman from early on in her life. As a young woman, she was a member of Mensa. In her first job at National City Bank she was tasked to go to branches in lower Manhattan and organize their internal bookkeeping practices. Later, she became the first woman bank teller at National City Bank. Eventually, she worked in the Office of Staten Island House of Representative Elsworth Buck.

Our Mother was a graceful and generous person. She relished her independence. For example, she had recently renewed her driver's license to make short runs to the pharmacy or store. Fortunately, and to her great satisfaction, she was able to live in her home for over forty years. Her oldest son Paul lives nearby and often joined her for lunch or dinner. Up unto just two weeks ago, she drove herself to the local Walgreens or Albertsons for minor purchases.

Furthermore, Mom was an avid reader and sorely missed her weekly visits to the local library during the pandemic. She was active with the Albuquerque Encore Club and enjoyed playing dominoes with her friends. Additionally, she worshiped at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church in Albuquerque.

Mom was always smiling and it was a sincere pleasure to be in her company. She was a loyal friend and dedicated and loving mother. Her presence will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Services will be held Friday, December 17, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.