This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Livingston, Smith Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5163/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Margaret Jane Livingston (Smith) passed away Sunday, January 16, 2011 after a long struggle with cancer. She was born in Santa Fe, NM on July 6, 1933. Jane was an amazing, self-reliant woman, with a pioneering spirit reminiscent of her early years as a cowgirl. She attended Santa Fe High School, and lettered in Choir. As a young woman, while still in high school, Jane cared for her three younger siblings, as their mother fell ill from cancer. However, she still found the time to ride her beloved horse Bonita all throughout the hills of Abiquiu, NM while her father managed the Rancho de Abiquiu. Her life there remained a treasured memory of good times and a good childhood. In later years she would recall many happy memories of Abiquiu, Espanola, San Pedro, Santa Fe and Dallas. She was employed by Los Alamos National Laboratory during the early years, and was administrative support during the atomic bomb tests at the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas, NV. Jane and husband Leon spent almost 20 years raising the family on their "Rancho Nuez" farm in Brazito, NM, while developing one of the first pecan orchards to be certified as "organically grown". Jane was a successful real estate agent in Las Cruces, NM, for many years. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and especially riding her horse. Most recently, she lived her life-long dreams of riding horseback on the beaches of Hawaii, as well as a wonderful Mediterranean ocean cruise with family. An excellent cook (her green chili stew was unsurpassed), she was passionate about horses, wildflowers, her children, grandchildren, and family. She resided in Capitan, NM where she had many dear friends and was an active member of the Lincoln County Sherriff's Posse. She attended the Episcopal Church in Ruidoso, NM. Jane is survived by three of her children and their spouses: Eddie and Trish Livingston of Alamogordo, NM, Adrienne and Joe Widmer of Las Cruces, NM, and David Livingston of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren: Daniel, Sara and Josh Livingston of Alamogordo; her brothers John Smith and his wife Shirley from Tres Piedras, NM, Jimmy Smith from Aztec, NM, and sister Diana Simmons from Santa Fe, NM; nephews Doug and Brett Simmons from Santa Fe, NM, and many special nephews and nieces. Jane was preceded in death by her parents John and Bonnie Smith, her husband Leon, her son Lonnie and her sister Virginia. This past year brought her and all her close and extended family a deep appreciation for all the work and kindnesses of the folks at the Cancer Institute of New Mexico. Her children give a special "Thank You!" to Jane's sister, Diana Simmons, who cared for their mother like only a sister could. Jane will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A private graveside ceremony will be held Monday January 24, 2011 followed by a memorial celebrating her life this summer. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Cancer Institute of New Mexico (877) 587-7900, or the Names Project (404) 688 - 5500. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600 Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on January 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.