Mary Bradford

A resident of Sandia Park, NM, died early Monday morning the 8th of April 2013 in her home with her family by her side. Born 1944 in Dubuque, I.A., Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Monica Kuhl along with brother, John Kuhl. Mary graduated from High School at the Academy of the Visitation in Dubuque IA in 1962 and entered the University of Iowa in the fall, graduating with B.A. of Sociology in 1968. Following graduation, Mary lived in Boston, MA for part of 1968, then moved to Denver CO, where she worked as a social worker and met her future husband in 1969. They were married on Nov 14, 1970 in Dubuque, and subsequently lived in Nevada, Iowa, Illinois and North Carolina. Later, she continued her education at Bellevue Area Community College, receiving her Associates degree in Computer Programming in 1988 and transitioned from social work to information technology working for the Army Reserve Personal Center in St. Louis, MO. Mary and her family moved to Albuquerque NM in 1991 where she retired in 2005 as a Computer Programmer Analyst Supervisor with the State of New Mexico. Mary and her husband were avid travelers enjoying the NC beaches and New England, but her first love was always the West. She thrived on being around her family and friends and was a devoted wife, an inspirational mother and loving grandmother, "Mimi". Mary's loved ones learned something new every day from her. She enjoyed collecting breathtaking artwork and knick knacks from the many places she visited. Mary's family and friends cherished her warm and giving heart and she touched everyone she met. Mary had a bright smile, unforgettable eyes and an amazingly strong heart. Mary is survived by her husband of 42 years, Steven C. Bradford; her two daughters, Kelly Bradford and Katie (Dean) Karch; three grandchildren, Anthony, Brandon and Rachel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations and gifts in Mary's name to: the Roadrunner Food Bank, 5840 Office Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109. (505) 247-2052; or Vital Ground Foundation in Fort Missoula, Missoula, MT 59804-7202, www.vitalground.org/T_G ; or Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood NM; www.wildlifewest.org Services will be held Friday, April 12, 2013, 4:00 p.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus Roman Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd NW Albuquerque, NM 87114.