We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Elizabeth May (Bibit) Newsom, 58, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She passed on September 6, 2022, peacefully and in the company of her family, after a tenacious six-year battle with metastatic cancer. At her last moments, her husband, Matt, was at her side and her sister, Rhonda, was holding her hand.

In a week when great lights were extinguished, we lost our own Queen Elizabeth. Our Bibit was like sunshine in an often-dark world. She was the heart and soul of the Newsom family, and her quiet demeanor warmed the hearts of everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Bibit (as was her lifelong nickname) was born on January 24, 1964, to Jack and Reyes Newsom in Albuquerque. She attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School and Albuquerque High School, where she was a Varsity Cheerleader, graduating in 1983.

She attended the University of New Mexico while beginning her career at the Rio Grande Credit Union, as a teller. She earned an associate degree from CNM, professional development CUNA certifications from Pomona College, and a bachelor's degree in management from the University of Phoenix. Quickly rising through the ranks, Bibit spent most of her career in Banking and Financial Services, becoming a Branch Manager, then a Systems Analyst. She was known as responsible and thoughtful – with an always positive outlook, generous spirit, and incredible work ethic.

Matthew Johnson, the love of her life, remembers the very day that he met her. It was March 10, 2004, and after a long courtship, they married in 2016 – sharing their home with stepson, Dominic, and their dogs, Chino and Zora.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her infant sister, Janet; by beloved nephew, Gerald Lee Newsom; by father, Jack Newsom; by mother, Reyes Baca Jaramillo; and by stepfather, James Jaramillo. She is survived by husband, Matthew Johnson; stepson, Dominic Johnson; sister, Rhonda (and Husband Gil); Brothers Patrick (and wife Anne); Thomas (and husband Eric); Eugene (and wife Carole); Gerald (and wife Vicky); and Jackie (and wife Theri). Nephews and nieces also survive her: Jherica, Lauren, Isabella, Emilio, Shane, Madeline, Raquel, Nicolas and Santiago; and by five grand nephews and nieces: Indie, Xavier, Zaiden, Levi, and Ollie. Bibit is also survived by numerous extended family members and countless friends.

Anyone who knew her knows that her family meant everything to her, and to them she was loving and selfless. To her nephews and nieces, she was the special "cool" aunt, who they could always count on. For Lauren and Nicolas, she was a second mother. For Xavier and Zaiden, she was a mainstay in their lives, and she routinely channeled her Bulldog Cheerleader at their games and matches. Bibit was all about family. She treasured the expansive love of a large family, and she especially enjoyed the times that they would all be together.

She was especially close to her sister, Rhonda, with whom she was eleven months apart in age, but as close as identical twins could be. They would talk on the telephone daily – often as frequently as three time a day. Sometimes long stretches of silence would ensue, with each of them comfortable that the other was still on the other end of the line.

When she was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, we all promised her that she would not fight her battle alone. She was assured of the unwavering support of her family, with Matt and Rhonda attending every treatment – followed by phone calls, prayers, and almost constant attention.

As her parents (Jack and Reyes) and stepfather (Jim) grew older and in need of care, Bibit was an unwavering source of support, comfort, and care. Even during her own health challenges, she made it a priority to spend time with each of them.

She touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations-. From her family to childhood friends, to countless Credit Union customers, and to the seemingly endless stream of players and parents from the YAFL, Little League, track, wrestling, and hockey communities that she so avidly supported. For us, Bibit was like a pebble thrown into a lake. The lives she touched are as ripples that extend far beyond just us, but her passing through this life has left not only ripples, buts waves that will last for generations.

Bibit, if we never told you enough, how much you truly meant to us, now you know that we will forever cherish the memories you gave us. In our darkest times, you were always there to remind us of the beauty that was all around us. That alone helped to make us all stronger.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 12:15 P.M. A reception will be held at Casa Rondeña Winery, 733 Chavez Road, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, following the services. At Matt's request, you will have the opportunity to share personal memories and tributes with family and friends. Interment will be held privately at a later date.