Mary B. Luna, age 82, was born on April 17, 1941 in Limerick, Ireland and passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023 in Rio Rancho, NM.

Mary grew up in Ireland facing many hardships resulting from both the current events of the time and heartbreaking family losses.  As proof of her courage, she embarked on a plane alone in her early twenties and headed for the United States to build a better life.  One thing she was always proud of was obtaining her American citizenship.  After landing a job in Washington, DC, a mutual friend introduced her to Ernest Luna, who would later become her husband.  Ernest spent his career in the military, a life Mary so enjoyed as it enabled her to travel overseas and many places across the US.  When asked about her favorite post, her reply was always Alaska.  It didn't take long however for the Sandia Mountains to win her heart after moving to Albuquerque almost 30 years ago for a well-deserved retirement.

Mary was known and loved for her fierce Irish spirit and Irish brogue.   While she could be cantankerous at times in Irish fashion, there was never a moment she didn't have a big heart.  She was passionate about animals and spoke fondly about her beloved dogs.  Mary never met a mystery novel she couldn't put down.  One of her favorite past times was studying the civil war and travelling to past battle and historical sites whenever she could.

Mary will be deeply missed as she had a way of touching the lives of the people she met.  She will be especially missed by her daughter who is so appreciative of the time they had together right up until the end.  She is preceded in death by her parents, the Connolly's of Limerick City, Ireland, and husband Ernesto S. Luna of Polvadera, NM.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Catherine Luna, of Albuquerque, NM and sister-in-law Patricia Luna, also of Albuquerque, NM.

A church service will be held at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Josephs Ave NW, Albuquerque on Friday July, 7 at 9:00 am.  An Irish themed celebration will also be held the same day at Avamere Senior Living, 1000 Riverview Dr. SE, Rio Rancho from 2:00-3:30pm.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any charity (especially any animal charity) of your choice.