Leonora Spellman-Badeau

Lee passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her. Her kindness, love, and wonderful sense of humor will forever remain in our hearts. We will always remember the sound of her laughter with the joy it brought to our ears and her smile will forever be in our memory.

Lee was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was preceded in death by her parents, Helen E. (Rail) and Lawrence Grote; and her first husband Richard Spellman.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Albert F. Badeau of Rio Rancho, NM, her children Michael Spellman of Albuquerque, NM, Carol Jessop of Albuquerque, NM, Marianne Castillo del Muro of Albuquerque, NM, Steven Spellman of Truth or Consequences, NM, and Richard Spellman of Carlsbad, NM; her step-daughter Carmen M. Badeau of Albuquerque, NM; her stepsons Albert (Buddy) Badeau of Colorado Springs, CO, and Michal Badeau of Kirkland, AZ; and her sister, Pat Caviola of Long Island, NY.

She was blessed with 47 grand, great-, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy. Lee also adored her cat, Daisy, and her dogs, Mandy and Casey.

Lee retired from J.C. Penney Corporation and was a devoted member of the Church of the Incarnation in Rio Rancho, NM.

Pallbearers are Mike Badeau, Buddy Badeau, Steve Spellman, Lawrence del Muro, Brad Brane and Andrew Leyba.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025, Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Church of the Incarnation Catholic Church, 2309 Monterrey Rd. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144. Burial will follow in Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.

In lieu of flowers, Lee asked that a donation be sent to St. Jude’s’s Children’s Hospital.