Jean Forsberg, longtime resident of Rio Rancho, died Oct. 29, 2008, three weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday. Jean was born Oct. 8, 1918, in Milwaukee, Wis., where she married Howard Forsberg in 1941. During the next 61 years, the couple lived in Chicago, Tucson, Ariz., Pasadena, Calif., and Westport, Conn. In 1977, they moved west again, settling in Rio Rancho.

Jean was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom who began working outside the home when her daughters were grown. She worked for the Famous Artists School in Wesport for 10 years and for the City Clerk’s Office in Albuquerque until her retirement in 1988. Throughout their marriage, Jean was a valued critic of the commercial illustrations and western art painted by Howard and she served as a model for much of his work.

Jean volunteered for three years with Meals on Wheels. She was also a devoted weekly volunteer at the Storehouse from 1997 through 2007. She was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Paradise Hills for 30 years, giving her time and talents to W-ELCA, the women’s organization of the church. Jean loved flowers and gardening, cooking and advising her family on the latest health tips from the many medical sources to which she subscribed. She maintained and promoted a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga and playing golf into her 70s. She was a voracious reader and was passionate about politics and following current events.

Jean was beloved by her family as a woman of faith, intelligence and spirit. Her sunny smile and good humor could be counted on in any situation. She will always be remembered as a wonderful wife and mother. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by Howard in 2002 and by their daughter, Nancy, in 1983.

Jean is survived by daughters Karen Benke and Julie Forsberg, son-in-law, Richard Benke, all of Rio Rancho; grandchildren Richard Kuntz and wife Amy of Bernalillo; Gregory Kuntz and wife, Kim, of Genoa, Nev.; and Kathy Kuntz of Santa Ynez, Calif., great-grandchildren Sanova Lorenzo Kuntz of Albuquerque and Bruce and Connor Kuntz of Genoa, Nev.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 4800 All Saints Rd., NW, on Nov. 14, at 11 a.m. Private interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Storehouse, 106 Broadway Blvd., SE, Albuquerque, 87102.