Martha Jean Juszczyk, 74, returned to the Universal Consciousness of Love and Light on December 25, 2014.

Born in Bennington, Indiana, she and her parents relocated to Carlsbad, NM when she was ten years old. She graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1959. She then changed her residence several times, at one point working for Los Alamos National Laboratories in Los Alamos, NM, where she starred as Marsena in the Los Alamos Light Opera production of Kismet.

A music scholarship to Western New Mexico University allowed her to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. She excelled as a trumpet player, vocalist, and painter in oils, acrylics and water colors. After her graduation from WNMU, she worked for several years in various capacities for the Silver Consolidated Schools system, retiring as a Title I reading teacher at Harrison Schmidt elementary school.

Known as "Jean" to her acquaintances and "Peanut" to her close friends, she was loved for her fiercely independent spirit and love of laughter. She was unfailingly kind and understanding, a gracious and lovely lady.

Her last years saw her pursuing a deeper understanding of quantum physics and its relation to consciousness. She was an active member of Matrix Energetics: the Art of Science of Transformation, through which she developed her appreciation for the essential magic of life.

She is survived by her husband, Frank, an Emeritus Professor at WNMU; two sons by a previous marriage, Kenneth Bryan Thomas and Brent David Thomas; and two sisters, Sue Worley and Kathy Foster. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.