Marie Cheshire Whelan

Marie Cheshire Whelan passed away in her sleep on Sunday, May 8, 2022, Mother's Day, at the age of 93. It's only fitting she died on a day that celebrates mothers because she was the best of them, teaching so many others, including her three daughters, how to be excellent moms themselves. The most important lesson Marie taught her family was to love each other. Everyone lucky enough to be loved by her knew true, unconditional love. She found romantic love twice in her life, marrying Jack Cheshire for 34 years until his death in 1983 and Peter Whelan from 1993 until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stefano, and Caterina Barbieri; her two brothers, Dino, and Albert and two of her ten children, Steve and Daniel. Marie's mother was pregnant with her when the family moved from Italy to New Mexico, making Marie a New Mexican for life, though she loved to travel and spent time adventuring all over the world, even moving to Australia at the beginning of her marriage to Peter.

Her remaining children Sue, Cathy (Tom), Dean (Linda), Rick, Tim, Terri (Steve), Greg, Jacky (Chuck) and Stan (Lisa); 23 grandchildren Blaine (Emily), Colin, Derek (Jessica), Cris (Sylvia), Tim (Heather), Cory (Amanda), Chase (Elena), Chad (Liz), Chelsey, Daniel (Jesse), Aaron, Ericka (Frank), Ryan (Meghan), Tyler, Cali, Alex, Sydney, Cassidy, Caitlin, Taylor, Catie, Anna and Tessa; and 19 great grandchildren: Eamonn, Aiden, Keely, Lily, Aila, Addison, Jack, Gil, Keegan, Jude, Griff, Ava, Liv, Russ, Finnley, Ollie, Lucy, Jack Henry, Eli plus one on the way(!) will miss her immensely, but she will live on in the love she taught them to share with each other.

Marie was a faithful member of the Catholic church, exemplifying God's goodness with every action. She worked as a travel agent and enjoyed her time helping others see the world. Even at 93 she still got her hair done weekly; her timeless beauty is commemorated in black and white photos from her childhood and more-recent iPhone snaps at family gatherings filled with joy and ravioli. Despite her long life, her family still wishes they got more time with her, because when you spent time with Marie you always left feeling happier than you were before.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Her twelve grandsons will be the pallbearers and she will be buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque. Reception will immediately follow her internment at Jacky and Chuck Yagow's residence.