Nina Adkins

Nina Macaluso Adkins, loving wife, mother, sister, teacher, nurse, and artist died peacefully in her sleep Friday, December 29, 2023. Nina was given five years to live after the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis in 2011 and just like her feisty spirit - she lived and beat that disease for 12 years.

Nina was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. She attended St. Mary's School for 12 years and graduated from the University of New Mexico nursing program in 1965. Nina married William Adkins on June 6, 1964 and had 59 years of glorious wedded bliss, as she would say. Nina worked as a public health nurse, a school nurse, practicing Registered Nurse, and nurse educator for more than 38 years. She earned a master's degree in education and co-founded the Albuquerque Public School's Practical Nursing Program, from which she retired as the Director in 1998. Nina formed an incredible bond with her colleagues known as the CEC Sisters and joined them for their annual reunion just this past October.

Many students of Nina's have reached out to family to express the incredible impact she has had on their lives and the countless lives of patients they have treated.

After retirement, Nina became very active in the art community. She was a watercolor, acrylic and collage artist. Her work is brightly colored and joyful. She was an award-winning signature member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society and showcased her art in The Gallery ABQ as a founding member (formerly Nob Hill Gallery) and the Yucca Art Gallery. In 2022, Nina was honored as a Local Treasure by the Albuquerque Art Business Association.

Nina loved to travel. In retirement, she and Bill traveled the world, and her favorite trip was the two weeks she spent in Italy with her family in 2015.

Nina is survived by her husband, William Adkins; daughter, Lisa Adkins, her partner, John Mierzwa, and grandson, Jordan Vinson and his fiancée, Airika Ames; daughter, Andi Adkins-Pogue, her husband, Brian Pogue, and grandson, Daniel Pogue. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews of several generations.

A celebration of Nina's life will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Lomas. Nina loved color - please don't wear black - wear your brightest colors. As a passionate supporter of reproductive rights, Nina asked that you donate to Planned Parenthood in lieu of flowers.