Marlene D. Lovato, affectionately known as "Myrtle," was born on December 14, 1954, in Cuba, New Mexico. Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and treasured "Mana" lived most of her life in Albuquerque and passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the age of 71.

She found peace and joy in life's simple pleasures and took great pride in caring for those she loved. She was especially known for her famous biscochitos and pumpkin bread and would occasionally prepare her much-requested natillas for family and friends. She loved being outdoors tending to her plants and flowers and had a remarkable green thumb that seemed to bring everything around her to life - y tambien giving un chingaso to her pesky weeds. Her cats and dogs were an extra joy whom she truly treasured - she was often found having "conversations" with them and spoiling them with too many treats. She enjoyed collecting frog memorabilia, earrings and shoes to match her outfits, working wordsearches, savoring Little Debbie snacks, and dancing in the kitchen with her cats to 89.1 KANW Radio on weekend mornings. Her warmth, kindness, generosity, and wacky sense of humor touched the lives of all who knew her and will be remembered fondly by those who loved her.

She dedicated more than 30 years of service to her treasured employer, Incienso de Santa Fe, where she considered her coworkers part of her extended family. She made it her duty to be stocked on all the goodies and offer a soda, a treat, or words of wisdom or give a laugh when needed - por que estaba loca. Among her many cherished roles, she was especially proud of being known as "Abuelita" to her work granddaughter, a title that reflected the love, care, and nurturing spirit she shared so freely with those around her.

Marlene was preceded in death by her mother, Nettie Postlewait, and her brother, Larry Lovato.

She is survived by her three loving children, Liz Lovato, Miranda Matthiesen and husband Dustin, and Gina Williams; her four cherished grandchildren, Jonathan, Marissa, Gavin, and Kailynn; her beloved great-granddaughter, Ivy Myrtle; one great-grandchild on the way; her sisters, Nancy Garza and Stephanie Postlewait; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, bonus sons and grandsons, and many dear friends who will miss her dearly.

Mana's legacy of love, kindness, generosity and strong raza lifestyle and attitude will live on through the family and friends whose lives she touched. Her strength, caring spirit, gentle heart, crazy antics and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be remembered fondly and carried forward by all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Services will be held at Heaven Bound Ministries located at 4311 12Th Ct NW Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87107 at on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 am.