Norlene Marie Becker

On April 6, 1933, I started working on my life's puzzle. Nine years later, my brother Ron joined me.

Over the years, I tried building different puzzles, but no scenery seemed to spark my interest until in 1953 when I found a piece shaped in a Nurse's uniform. I tried it and I found out that I genuinely enjoyed caring for others, working long hours at the hospital to make sure all patients were taken care of before I left for the night. One night after work, I went with some colleagues to have a drink. Jack was bartending and a mutual friend introduced us. His big blue eyes and infectious smile melted my heart. Over the next couple years, we focused on making sure we wanted to build the same puzzle.

On August 10, 1955, we completed the border of our puzzle. For the next 5 years, five amazing pieces were put in and our family puzzle started to take shape; Mary Taul (Jim), Joan Mondragon (Billy), David Becker (Mary), Sr. MSophia Becker and Patty Tonkinson (Tim).

On August 6, 1967, Jack and I became the 6th and last owners of Strong's Office Products, an office supply store carrying the largest inventory of office products in the State of New Mexico. We served all of New Mexico until early 1990's when we decided to sell the business. We bought an RV and traveled around the US.

Although the family puzzle looked complete, there was a huge empty area. Soon it was filled with 10 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren that Jack and I truly enjoyed watching grow.

Over the years, Jack and I continued to work side-by-side on our family puzzle, watching the pieces fall into place; we were so blessed they interlocked just right.

Sadly, in July 23, 1994 Jack found his last piece and put it in, I was left to continue to search for my last piece without him by my side. In February 26, 2012, our grandson Jacob Tonkinson, found his last piece and joined his Grandpa Jack. My brother Ron found his last piece September 25, 2021 and joined them.

On August 14, 2024, after 30 years of searching, I finally found my last piece.........and put it in which completed my puzzle.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held, 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Sangre De Cristo located at 8901 Candelaria Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.

A private scattering of my ashes will take place later.

In lieu of flowers, please build your family puzzle.