Patti Lu Derganc

Patti Lu Derganc, age 69, a resident of Albuquerque since 1978, died Wednesday, April 27, 2016 after a tragic auto accident. She is survived by her son, Michael McElroy and wife, Ann-Louise; step-daughter, Katherine Derganc - Billings and husband, Mark; significant other, Jim Templeton; grandchildren, Allyson McElroy Martinez and husband, Christopher, Ian McElroy, Katharyn McElroy, Andrew Billings, and Lucia Billings; great-grandchildren, Natalie Martinez and Xavier (expected to arrive 5/23/16); siblings, Dale Williams and wife Karen, Anne Himebaugh and husband Jim, Jerry Williams and wife, Barbara and Jeanne Tideman and husband, Bruce; nieces and nephews, Susan, Jennifer, Jackie, Leslie, Chris, Daniel and Michael, niece Lisa Suggs and husband, Bobby Welsh and great nieces Riya and Ella Welsh who resided with Patti, Cousin Karla Devaney and husband Mark; and numerous other beloved cousins, relatives, and friends. Patti Lu was preceded in death by her husbands, Jack McElroy and Richard Derganc; parents, Pat and Luke Williams; and sister, Jeanne Tideman. She was born in Jay, Oklahoma in October 1946 and graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK. Patti moved to Santa Fe in 1974 where, starting a new life, she adopted another family and lifelong friends in Lee and Margaret Chavez and their kids Peso, Renee, and Padre-Johnny Lee. In 1978 she moved to Albuquerque where she continued working for the First National Bank of Albuqeruque and rose to the level of Sr. Executive Vice President and later, ran her own consulting business. She was an inspiration and mentor to many along the way. She attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Patti was an accomplished artist in many fields such as; charcoal and pencil drawings, watercolor paintings, wood-turning and Photography. She was also an avid lover of the outdoors and spent much of her later years enjoying the many trails and beauty of her local Sandia Mountains. Patti was the family Matriarch, who was a brilliant beautiful force of practicality and compassionate wisdom who was always there for others. Believing education was the spice of life she never stopped learning new things and even tutored kids through an APS reading program. She was a member of the American Woodworkers Association and helped to make toys for children in need. Patti was a beloved companion, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Patti will be deeply missed and cherished by all who knew her. Cremation has taken place and a local memorial service will be held in mid June and afterwards she will be interred at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in OK with her late husband, Richard Derganc and laid beside her mother and father. May she go with God and fly with the angels.