Lovelace, Mae L.
Mae L. Lovelace, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2016. She was born on December 26, 1921 in rural New Effington, SD to Orlie and Velma Holland. She was the eldest of six children. Mae moved to Minneapolis after high school, and then relocated to Seattle with a girlfriend at the beginning of WWII.
One of the original "Rosie the Riveters", she was employed by Boeing and contributed to the war effort, as did many other young women of the era.
Mae moved to Albuquerque in the late 1940s and began a long career of 35 years at Sandia National Labs.
Mae married John Lovelace in 1963 and together they spent many happy years building and enjoying a cabin near Chama, NM. Mae passed away on their wedding anniversary. Mae and John never had children of their own, but loved bringing their nieces and nephews up to the cabin and fostering their love of fishing and the outdoors.
One of Mae’s greatest passions was cooking, and she loved having the extended Holland family over for many holiday meals and gatherings. She also loved to bring in home-cooked food for her "boys and girls" at Sandia. She also loved working in the yard and had many beloved feline companions.
To Mae’s eye, everything could use a fresh coat of paint, and she was happiest with a paint brush in one hand and a big pot of something savory simmering on the stove.
Mae was a life member of San Marcial Chapter No 34, O.E .S., and she and John were active in many Masonic and Eastern Star activities. She was also a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church.
Growing up during the depression, she maintained a thrifty and frugal lifestyle, which always included a handful of coupons and a "discussion" about the price of an item with the manager on any given shopping trip. She also dearly loved to play bingo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; two sisters, Doris Knight and Lois Amsden; and one brother, Orlie Holland, Jr.
She is survived by two sisters, Joan Jacoby of Albuquerque, and Janis Banchero and husband Don of Sonora, CA. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews: RADM/USN (Ret.) William Payne (Deborah), Nancy Gherardi (Robert), Jim Jacoby (Deanna), Ken Jacoby (Heather), Kathy Lowenstein (Don), Jeff Banchero (Cara), Kevin Banchero, Matthew Banchero (Lourdes); and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. She also had many dear neighbors and friends.
The family would like to thank the many loving caregivers, nurses and staff at the Montebello, and the exceptional care team from Ambercare Hospice.
Cremation has taken place and, at her request, a private family graveside memorial service is planned at Santa Fe National Cemetery. She will be buried alongside her husband, John. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Humane Association of NM, 615 Virginia SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, or to the charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Mae at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
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