Mary Ellen Breitenbach

Mary Ellen (Woodward) Breitenbach died in Albuquerque, NM, on July 28, 2020, after a brief illness. Wife, mother, teacher, student, artist, reader, crafter, gardener, seamstress, traveler — she pursued her many interests throughout her life. She was born to Harriet Patten Woodward and George Woodward in Broadus, Montana, in 1930, and grew up in and around Ekalaka. She completed her degrees in Montana and Washington state, and moved to Albuquerque and married James Breitenbach in the 1950s.

She taught English and ESL at Highland High School in Albuquerque until she retired, after which she traveled the US and the world, visiting China, India, much of Europe, and anywhere else that interested her, visiting family and her wide circle of friends. She was generous and made her home available to many who needed one, and they went on to consider her house a home base, wherever else they might live in the world.

She is survived by Anna and Kevin Porter, her daughter and son-in-law, and the rest of the clan, including Jacqueline Breitenbach, PJ Fairfield, Richard and Trisha Breitenbach, Allan Breitenbach, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. The family plans to hold a memorial service in the spring.