Martha (Gibson) Deveneau

Martha Gibson Deveneau, age 93, educator, gardener, lover of cats and longtime NM resident, died in the comfort of her home on Saturday, September 10, 2022, beside loving family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Martha was born in Springhill, Alabama. She graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Alabama, and attended Troy State Teachers College before graduating from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, in 1950. She then moved to Albuquerque and two years later married John Deveneau, originally from New York. They were married for 67 years before his death in 2019.

She taught elementary school for many years with Albuquerque Public Schools and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma educational sorority (Alpha Iota chapter). She was a lifelong, avid iris gardener and member of the Albuquerque Iris Society. She was a world traveler and took several trips abroad. She enjoyed playing bridge, working jigsaw puzzles, reading, and learning. She loved life, her family, caring for cats, tending to her gardens, the Land of Enchantment, tomato sandwiches and anything coconut. She loved animals and donated to several animal charities helping cats, dogs, donkeys, and wildlife.

She is survived by her children, Lloyd, Susan and Clark and his wife Lori; her granddaughter, Chelsea, and her husband Sean; three great-grandchildren; as well as many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Annie Pearl; father, Clarence, and stepmother Grace; brothers Ferrell, Clark, and Samuel; sister Nell and lifelong friend Carolyn.

Heartfelt thanks to Hospice of New Mexico who cared for her for almost 2 years. Love and thanks to Elicia, Tasha, Dottie, Kim M., Imelda, Joanna, April, Chasie, and Elena.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 1:00 pm at FRENCH-Wyoming with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Albuquerque Animal Humane.