Mary Altherr

Mary Altherr moved to New Mexico with her husband, Robert, and three children from Kokomo, Indiana in July of 1960. She lived in Albuquerque until her death and loved the Southwest! She was able to finish her college education at UNM, and then went on while she was teaching to get her master’s degree in physical education. Mary taught physical education in the Albuquerque public schools at McKinley Junior High and then at Del Norte High School. She coached many sports, but her favorite was coaching swimming at the High School! She retired from Del Norte and soon began competing in sports on her own.

In retirement, she won multiple gold medals and trophies in the Senior Olympics and golf. She competed in swimming, track, and badminton (singles and doubles). She won in the state of New Mexico and nationally. When she was not competing, she walked many miles pushing her clubs and golf cart over Arroyo Del Oso, her home course. Many times she came home with trophies while her competitors were ten or more years younger. She loved the competition and encouraged all around her.

Mary Ella Altherr, age 95, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Mary Altherr was always moving and involved in so many pursuits. However, she always made time for her children and grandchildren. She was a great cook and famous for her cookies and toffee at Christmas! She was also famous with her grandchildren for her eggs at breakfast! She sat a mean table at holidays, and we have many of her recipes that came from her mother. We all had a hard time keeping up with “grandma.”  She took an interest in so many things like learning Spanish, Awana, WOW, VBS, investing, Hope Bible Church, politics, volunteering at the voting booths, reading, neighborhood, people, learning, etc. Mary touched so many lives with her life and skills. We are so proud of her and will miss her vitality and love. She was a lady before her time and always encouraged us to be a better person and to love the Lord. We miss you so very much, mom, grandma and great-grandma!!

Services will be held Saturday, December 28, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH – Wyoming. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.