Leonora Neuenschwander

Leonora Neuenschwander, our dearest mother, grandmother, great grandma, auntie, sister-in-law, and friend went home to our Lord on Saturday May 28, 2022. She was born on March 5, 1923, in Baguio City, Philippine Islands to Antonio and Franscisca Padua. She was the youngest of six children. Nora grew up in the surrounding mountain village and attended Catholic school at the Holy Family College-Campo Filipino in Baguio City. Married at a young age she had three young children, two daughters. One born prior to and one born during the Japanese occupation of the islands. A son was later born after the war. Widowed, Leonora later met Victor Neuenschwander in 1955 when he was stationed in Manila. They were married in 1957 in Durango, Colorado after he arranged for her to come to the states with her three children, Erlinda, Evelyn, and Richard. Three more sons, William, Victor, and Christian were born to them as they eventually settled in Farmington, New Mexico. Being welcomed, embraced by her new family Nora became a US citizen in 1963, one of her proudest moments. After divorcing she was faced with new challenges. Working outside of the home to provide for her three young sons and learning to drive. This at forty-nine years of age! With her faith in God, strength, and determination along with the support of a loving family she was able to overcome whatever life brought. In 1973 she found a new job at San Juan Hospital, later SJRMC and worked there until retirement in 1988. After retiring, Nora began going to the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center, which led to volunteering, which in turn led to her being employed there. A place she loved to be! During that time, she met her best friend, Bob Lunsford. In 2007 she moved to California to be with Evelyn. Nora then returned to Farmington in 2011 where she and Bob remained friends until his passing in 2017. She lived a long life, a hard life at times, but a rewarding life. She was loving, kind and caring. Always giving. In turn Nora was respected and loved by many. She had the most wonderful smile. A beautiful woman, a beautiful person, a beautiful soul.

Leonora was preceded in death by her parents Antonio and Francisca Padua, sisters Felisa and Pillar. Brothers Rufino, Jose, Guillermo, and Arturo. Son, William Neuenschwander.

She is survived by her daughters Erlinda Queen, Winder Garden, FL., Evelyn (William) Kimzey, Fresno, Ca. Sons: Richard (Rose) Neuenschwander, Farmington, NM. Victor Neuenschwander, Bloomfield, NM., Christian (Jackie) Neuenschwander, Waddell, AZ. 15 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm June 3, 2022 at Farmington Funeral Home. 2111 W. Apache St. Farmington, NM. The family would like to thank SJRMC, Basin Hospice, Beehive Homes for their kindness and care shown and given to our mom.