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Millie Pogna

1925 - 2017

Millie Pogna obituary, 1925-2017, Albuquerque, NM

BORN

1925

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming & San Antonio

7121 Wyoming Blvd NE

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Millie Pogna Obituary

Pogna, Millie Carelli

"Some people come into our lives

and quickly go.

Others stay for a while and

Leave footprints

on our hearts

And we are never the same."

-Anonymous





Millie Carelli Pogna lost her valiant battle with breast cancer surrounded by her loving family. Millie was a first-generation daughter of Italian Immigrants. Her parents, Gabriel and Angelina, came from Italy in the early 1900's by way of Ellis Island, and arrived in Colorado where her father worked on the railroads and later as a rancher. Millie was the second-youngest of 11 children (four died in infancy) living in a tiny log house in Gunnison, Colorado. She was ten years old when her mother Angelina died. Her two older sisters dropped out of school in the 8th grade to help their father with the younger kids, and her older brothers worked on the ranch before joining the military when they became of age, to service our country during WWII.

Millie was blessed with the opportunity to attend school through the twelfth grade, because of her station in the family. She walked four miles to a one-room schoolhouse across the freezing Tomichi Valley each day carrying a metal lunch bucket consisting of sliced onions on buttered bread. When she was in school, she contracted Scarlet Fever and school officials were forced to burn all books, papers, and pencils. She later stated that she was devastated about the loss of those precious resources. She said that the students in her school were children of struggling ranchers during the depression and always knew that "education for us was a privilege. We were so happy." Her passion for learning shaped her lifelong commitment to education.

She worked her way through college and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, where she served in leaderships roles in student organizations, elected homecoming queen, and later was honored as a distinguished alumna. She had a beautiful singing voice and performed in Albuquerque little theatre, light opera, in church choirs, and even sang the National Anthem at numerous state Republican conventions. She was also an active member in the Tri-Sigma sorority. She was a self-taught seamstress, painter, and accomplished cook.

While her three daughters were in school, she served as president of the PTA. For nearly 40 years she was an elected member of the New Mexico State Board of Education/Public Education Commission. She remained active in her commitments and continued to participate, attending her final commission meeting in Santa Fe one week before her death. She remained actively involved in the Republican Party for over 50 years. Millie was a liaison to the Indian Advisory Board, New Mexico Insurance Authority, and the NM State Library Commission.

She received numerous commendations including; an award from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge in 1979; A National Commendation award for having served on the NM State Board from the Constitutional Coalition in 1999; "Outstanding Alumna" award from Western State College in 1985; elected Western Area Director for National Association of State Boards of Education; appointed by President Reagan to the Advisory Committee for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from 1980 to 1988; appointed by Senate Pro Tem as Advisory to Legislative Public School Reform Committees in 1985; invitation from US Department of Education as a panelist for National Forum of Excellence in Education in 1982; elected President New Mexico Federation of Music Clubs; served on the Career Enrichment Center Advisory Board for 15 years; received Outstanding Service Award from NM Christian Parent Educator Association in 1997; received Eagle Forum "for dedication to God, Home, and Country" in 1997; received Home School Hero Award from NM CAPE "in recognition of significant and lasting contribution supporting, protecting and defending Home Education in New Mexico in 1999; active in music and theatre including Albuquerque Civic Light Opera, Music Theatre, Off Broadway West and Press Club Gridiron Singers.

Millie had a zest for life and was loved by all. Her childhood hardships contributed to her tenacious spirit. She was smart, driven, and possessed a love of learning. She is predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Teresa, Gilda, and Julia, and brothers, Jim, Frank and Geno, as well as several nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her loving husband of 67 years, Robert Pogna; daughters, Kathleen Anderson, Patricia Mazzone, Karin Johnson (Scott); three grandchildren, Taylor Mazzone (Erin), Grayson Mazzone, Alexandra Mazzone, and numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and her dog Cody.

A rosary will be held Friday, June 30, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at French-Wyoming, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Internment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Millie at

www.FrenchFunerals.com
Published by Albuquerque Journal on Jun. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Millie Pogna

Not sure what to say?





Karyl Ann Armbruster

June 24, 2024

Millie and I immediately "hit it off" when I was elected to the Public Education Commission in January 2015. Because I drove from Los Alamos rather than staying overnight in Santa Fe, I had a warning that there was NO heat in Mabry. I brought an electric blanket, a heater, an extension cord,3-4 other blankets, sweaters and coats to the meeting. Several of the Commissioners had spent the night and did not have warm clothes. We put the space heater by Millie's feet, and she and I sat very close together and shared the electric blanket and we giggled at what wet must look like! We were SO comfortable. The other Commissioners wrapped up in the other blankets, coats and sweaters. We should have taken a picture!

Dan Salzwedel

May 2, 2018

Warm, engaging and loving quickly come to mind but she was so much more. An intelligent person, yet very adept at communicating as well as solving issues at all levels. A caring, loyal and devoted servant of the word in all aspects of her life. We simply love her and the legacy she has left with all of us is unequaled. She is missed in the Educational Community and will always have a place in the hearts of our family - the Salzwedel's.

MARCEL T

July 4, 2017

May ALMIGHTY GOD who " binds up the brokenhearted " and " comfort all who mourn " sustain your family during this challenging time ( ISAIAH 61:1,2 ) With heart felt sympathy to you and your family.

Karyl Ann Armbruster

July 1, 2017

from Ralph Waldo Emerson
"To laugh often ...to earn the appreciation of honest critics....to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better....to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded! "

And Millie did.

With great sadness at the passing of a truly great lady....

Karyl Ann Armbruster

Mitzi Guice

June 30, 2017

We are so very sorry for the lost of your beautiful mother. Corey and I went to high school with Karin and Patty. We remember them for their kind and gracious spirits just like their mother. Our hearts go out to you at this stressful, sad time. Prayers and good thoughts to you

Corey Campbell and
Mitzi Guice

Roger Harrell

June 29, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of Millie's passing. We loved and respected her so much. We knew her when she served on the State Board of Education.

Dr. Roger Harrell, Former School Superintendent. Now living in Alto, N.M.

Mike Walla

June 29, 2017

I knew her as Mrs. Pogna growing up down the street and later as Millie when I moved my family back to the neighborhood but she was always the same friendly, genuine, caring lady who always asked about my kids and family members when we crossed paths on the street. She always had a kind word for others, loved to talk about her girls and impressed me with her calm, intelligence and that sly smile of hers. She was an endearing personality that will be missed by everyone who knew her. Our prayers for God's peace are with Bob and the entire Pogna family.

Teri McHugh (Dennison)

June 29, 2017

I have known the Pogna family pretty much all my life. Millie and Bob were dear friends of my parents for 50 years. My sincere condolences to Bob at the loss of his beloved wife, and to their three wonderful daughters Kathleen, Patricia, and Karin. I pray that God walks with you all through every step of your grief.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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Memorial Events
for Millie Pogna

Jun

30

Rosary

9:00 a.m.

French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming & San Antonio

7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Jun

30

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming & San Antonio

7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Funeral services provided by:

French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming & San Antonio

7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

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