Mariel McConkey

MARIEL McCONKEYLove of family, faith in God, and a firm belief in personal responsibility were among the values of Mariel McConkey who died Sunday, January 20, 2013 at age 71. She passed away surrounded by her family, in the Albuquerque home where she had lived for 39 years with her husband, Mike T. McConkey. Born Susan Mariel Wellborn on May 28, 1941, she was raised in Tucumcari, NM, the daughter of the late Robert and Agnes Wellborn. She completed high school in 1959, and held degrees in biology and teaching from the University of New Mexico. A highly principled woman, Mariel took great pride in her life's work - caring for her husband and family. She married Mike on November 25, 1965, and the two built a partnership that included their son, Eric, active involvement in the community, and 46 years of marriage. Mariel's commitment to family extended to her role as daughter, demonstrated by several years of caregiving for her late mother. She was also a generous, fun-loving, and occasionally sharp-tongued aunt to an often rambunctious crew of nephews and nieces. She held high standards for all the children in her life - and they knew it. Mariel held high stands for herself as well. A gracious, good mannered woman who was smart enough to speak her mind without ever uttering a swear word, Mariel's family noted that she could be assertive in the gentlest possible way. She treated people with respect, and expected others to be respectful in return. She held strong political views, knew what she believed plus why she believed it, and never missed an election. At the same time, Mariel was a lover of wildlife, who enjoyed bird-watching and animals. She was also an accomplished musician and vocalist; she played the banjo, ukulele, piano, and hand bells. She rang in her church bell choir and sang in the choir before that. She was also a valued member of the PEO sisterhood, volunteering her time for nearly 20 years and also serving as the Historian of PEO Chapter S. Mariel was, unquestionably, a formidable bridge player and she enjoyed many an hour with her bridge group who were like a second family to her. Known for her courage, Mariel was also a 25-year cancer survivor. In the later years of her life, she lived with considerable health challenges, but she never complained. She did not want people feeling sorry for her, nor did she want to be a burden. She died, much as she lived, with courage and dignity. She is survived by her beloved husband, Mike; her son, Eric; two grandchildren; two brothers, Robert and Donald Wellborn; and several nieces and nephews. Mariel's life, vitality, and principles will be celebrated at a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 26, 2013, 10:30 a.m., at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Rd. NE.