Patricia Rose Cazier Renken

Dr. Patricia Rose Cazier Renken ascended to heaven to join her late husband of 27 years, James Howard Renken, on March 7, 2024. She is survived by her brother, Frank William Cazier, Jr. (Penny); her children, Catherine Clemens (Bill Peterson), Stephanie Skaggs (Mike), and John Renken (Lisa); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Freeman (Ian), Michelle Kuehner (Garrett), James Clemens, Jason Skaggs, Krista Skaggs (Nick Martinez), Lauren Grusenmeyer (Chris), and Paige Renken; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt Freeman, Madeline Freeman, Everett Kuehner, Jameson Grusenmeyer, and Wyatt Kuehner; and her nieces and nephews, Dove Halverson (Bill), Charles Cazier (Eunkyung), and Aaron Sachs (Teri). She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank William Cazier and Rose Ellen Fogarty Cazier.

Patricia was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 20, 1942. She spent the majority of her youth in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she lived as a young girl near her lifelong friend, Anne Scott Leder. Patricia graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's of arts (1964), master's of arts (1965), and Ph.D. (1974) in history. She served the Albuquerque Public School system from 1974 to 2003 as a teacher, an Activities Director, an Assistant Principal, and finally the assistant to the Superintendent at the District Office. Through this career, she met many lifelong friends that she treasured until her passing. In retirement, she continued to serve her community through volunteer work with her church, Central United Methodist, as a board member and "go to" lady for Saranam, and as a docent for the Albuquerque Museum in Old Town Albuquerque. Independence, eloquence, loyalty, and a thirst for knowledge characterized Patricia.

She loved to travel, venturing to every corner of the globe both with James prior to his passing and then with her close friends. Patricia was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, which was evident to all who knew her. She was fiercely devoted to her family, friends, and her beloved dachshund, Heidi, and provided unwavering support for each one. Her vast circle of family and friends will miss her dearly.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10 am at Central United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saranam (saranamabq.org) or New Mexico Animal Humane Association (animalhumanenm.org)