Mildred Conklin

Mildred Conklin, 95, deeply loved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother decided her work here was done and passed away peacefully on June 6th. She entered Heaven, to finally join her husband, Coursen, who preceded her in 1995. She came into this world on May 30, 1923 in Mt. Union, PA, born to Dorsey and Dorcas Cutshall. She graduated from Orbisonia High School in 1940, and the Lewistown School of Nursing in 1944. Licensed as a Registered Nurse, she was practicing nursing at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C where she met her future husband, then Captain and orthopedic surgeon, Coursen B. Conklin. They fell in love and were married on June 29th, 1949. So began Mildred's new vocation of Army wife and later, loving mother. She tended to her first two boys while Coursen was serving in Korea. They then moved to Ft. Knox where she gave birth to two more sons. Coursen left the Army in 1958, ultimately retiring as a full Colonel. He moved the family to Albuquerque to join Albuquerque Orthopedic Associates. With his work ethic and dedication to his patients, there was little time to write checks, much less play golf. Mildred managed the household: quartermaster, accountant, tutor, chef, nurse, trusted advisor and loving mother. Within a few years, she produced the beautiful little daughter she and Coursen had long wanted. The family was now complete.

There was a glow of God's grace about her, a peacefulness, a quiet happiness. You felt her protective presence and support, but she didn't hover or meddle. She gave her children space to grow, yet if needed, she was always there. Mildred had so much "momness" that there was some left for others even after taking care of her own five children. There were more than a few moments when a neighborhood kid would say something like "Gee, Mrs. Conklin, I wish my mom was just like you." That gift and her joy in doing for others continued on with her beloved grand and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her sister Margery Castro, sons Tim and wife Carmen, Daniel and wife Brigid, Matthew and wife Mary; Harvey and wife Myra, and daughter Wendy Baca and husband Wes; her grandchildren Elena Vigil and husband Ron, Cristina Conklin and husband Eric, Laura Cobos and husband Ivan, David Conklin, Tyler Conklin, Eric Conklin, Bonnie Conklin, Will Conklin, Ethan Conklin, Krissy Baca and Brett Baca; and her great grandchildren, who brought her particular delight, Anthony Vigil, Lucas Vigil, Stella Wagner and Leo Wagner. She will be profoundly missed by all of them, even as they rejoice in her long and full life and the knowledge that she is now at peace, united with her Savior, Jesus Christ.