Mary Margaret Andre

Mary Margaret Andre, age 75, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob Nicholas Andre and Marjorie Gibbons Chapman, and brother John “Jack” Phillips Andre.

She is survived by her children: Jennifer Carson and husband Jason Carson, Wesley Garcia and wife Katherine Garcia, Johnna Garcia and husband Geoffrey O’Connor, Shadiin Garcia and husband David Sherman; grandchildren: Kit Carson, Rebecca Carson, Naomi Garcia, Shadiin O’Connor, Gabriel Koiishe, Isaiah Koiishe, Evan Solano Garcia, additional great-grandchildren, extended family members, as well as many relatives, friends, fellow parishioners, and choir members whose lives she touched.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1950, Mary spent her childhood there and attended St. Ida Catholic School. After high school, she made Albuquerque, New Mexico, her home, where she would spend the majority of her adult life and raise her family.

Throughout her life, Mary embraced many roles: daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, parishioner, social worker, friend, and faithful servant to others. She was first and foremost a devoted mother to her children, Jennifer, Wesley, Shadiin, and Johnna, and later found great joy in being a grandmother.

Earlier in life, Mary worked in a variety of positions, including many years with U.S. New Mexico Federal Credit Union, an institution she was proud to serve. Never one to stop learning, she later returned to school, earning degrees through Central New Mexico Community College and ultimately obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She dedicated the later years of her career to helping others, work that reflected the compassion and service that were central to her life.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mary’s life. A lifelong Catholic, she was an active member of several Albuquerque parishes over the years, including St. Anne, Queen of Heaven, St. Bernadette, and Our Lady of the Assumption. Church music held a special place in her heart. She spent decades singing in parish choirs, offering her voice in worship and building lasting friendships through her church communities.

Mary was also known for her creativity, generosity, and unique sense of humor. She loved baking, crafting, painting, and participating in craft fairs and bake sales. Family and friends knew her as someone who was always creating, whether it was handmade crafts, imaginative games for gatherings, or new ideas for community events. Her creativity was often inspired by her faith and expressed through acts of service to others.

She generously supported numerous charitable causes throughout her life, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, local food banks, and other organizations serving those in need. Helping others was not merely something she did; it was part of who she was.

Though practical and organized by nature, Mary was also wonderfully quirky and memorable in ways that made her uniquely herself. Those who knew her well will remember her creativity, her devotion to her faith, her dedication to family, and her desire to help others.

Mary's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Friday, July 24, 2026, 10:00am at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 8110 Guaymas Place NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108. Rosary will be recited at 10:30am. Mass will begin at 11:00am. Reception details to be announced.