Helen Janine Menefee

Helen Janine Menefee, 60, of Albuquerque, and formerly of Silver City, died Wednesday, March 31 in an automobile crash caused by a drunken driver. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clyde Menefee and Lena Bonomo Menefee Scheier, both of Silver City. Janine is survived by her eight brothers and sisters: Nicolynn Womack of Cortez, CO, John Menefee of Savannah, GA, Mary Menefee of Albuquerque, NM, Judy Menefee of Silver City, NM, Steve Menefee of Phoenix, AZ, Chris Scholl of Albuquerque, NM, Mike Menefee of Phoenix, AZ and Cathy Keller of Albuquerque, NM, seven brothers- and sisters -in-law, 18 nieces and nephews and countless friends. She grew up in Silver City and attended St. Mary's Parochial School and Silver High School. Following her graduation in 1967, she attended Hotel Dieu School of Nursing at El Paso, TX and graduated as a Registered Nurse. After working as a nurse for several doctors in Albuquerque, she left nursing to pursue her love of animals. For over 25 years, Janine owned and operated Jaynie's Pet and Plant Care, a pet sitting business in Albuquerque, where she developed a long list of loyal customers and a reputation for providing loving and nurturing care for dogs, cats, birds and other critters. After her death, a note she had written was found in her apartment where she said, I am passionate about: Color; Balance; and, Making Something out of nothing!@ Janine had a beautiful voice and loved singing. She made everyone feel like they were best friends, and loved hearing others tell about their lives and adventures. Janine will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service and funeral mass were held in Albuquerque on April 12. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Silver City at a later date. Donations to New Mexico Animal Friends, P.O. Box 40189, Albuquerque, NM 87196 or People's Anti Cruelty Association, P.O. Box 21280, Albuquerque, NM 87154 would have been Janine's choice