Lenora Harrison

Lenora Harrison 

May 17, 1954 – February 7, 2026

Lenora Harrison, 71, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by her immediate family at her bedside.

Born on May 17, 1954, Lenora was raised by her grandparents in Cove, Arizona, in the traditional ways of the Diné (Navajo) people. During her adolescence, she lived in a hogan, the traditional Navajo dwelling, where her family raised sheep and embraced rural Navajo life. Her upbringing included a rotation of cousins and extended family members, shaping her early understanding of family, resilience, and community.

Her cousins remembered her as determined and headstrong, yet always filled with a jovial sense of humor. Guided by Navajo values and principles, Lenora grew into a strong, dependable matriarchal figure within her family, and others leaned on her for stability, her unmistakable honesty, and unwavering support.

As a young woman, Lenora possessed a rare beauty, and her striking features were occasionally thought to reflect Asian or Mongolian ancestry. In the 1970s, she spent part of her early adulthood in sunny California, embracing the free spirit of the era. She made many close friends and attended numerous concerts, including performances by Fleetwood Mac. Photographs from that time reflect her vibrant energy, independence, and joy for life.

In the 1980s, she returned to New Mexico, where her mother Bessie, father Hubert Harrison, four sisters, and two brothers resided. She eventually made her permanent home in Albuquerque. Early on, she worked at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Albuquerque and at the Albuquerque International Sunport. Lenora loved sharing stories of the many celebrities she met through her work, especially one of her favorite musicians, George Strait.

Later in life, Lenora continued her dedication to caring for others through her work at UNM Hospital and with Dungarvin. She formed close friendships with coworkers, including Sharon Yazzie, and valued the mentors who helped her navigate new technologies and workplace challenges. She was deeply respected for her reliability, outgoing nature, and work ethic.

Within her family, Lenora was known as the strong and independent oldest sister. It was no surprise that she provided a stable home for many loved ones over the years, including her nieces Kimberly Harrison and Phoebie Benally, her youngest brother Gilbert Harrison, and for a time, the beloved daughter of a close family friend, Lynette Chavez.

In 1987, Lenora made one of the most defining decisions of her life when she formally adopted her niece, Krystle Zurcher, raising her as her own daughter. She provided the stability, love, and positive guidance that Krystle so dearly needed, a testament to Lenora’s boundless sense of responsibility and devotion to family.

One of Lenora’s greatest passions was travel. She spent much of her free time driving across the United States, exploring new landscapes and iconic locations. She even had the unforgettable experience of visiting Havana, Cuba by cruise ship. She amassed a large collection of souvenirs from her journeys and delighted in gifting them to friends and coworkers, sharing pieces of the world she so loved to explore.

Lenora’s life will be cherished for the remarkable strength she embodied, the unwavering foundation she provided for her family, her steadfast generosity, and the deep pride she carried in her Navajo heritage. She embodied resilience and compassion, always stepping forward when others needed her most. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the unwavering support she showed to those she held dear.

Service Dates will be posted as soon as confirmed.