Zenobia E. “Nobie” (Whelan) Hurley, passed away at her home in Albuquerque, N.M., after a short illness on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. She was born May 31, 1929, to Adelaide and Cornelius Whelan in Owatonna, Nobie was raised in Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1946, and later from Mercy School of Nursing in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Nobie had been a resident of Albuquerque since 1960. She was very active in her Catholic community of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. She was a loyal volunteer for the Republican Party. Nobie was dedicated and skilled as Director of Volunteer Services for St. Joseph Healthcare System from 1977 to 1997. She loved cooking for family gatherings and everyone was always welcome!
Nobie is survived by her five children: John of Grand Junction, Colo., Timothy and wife, Kathy of Placitas, N.M., Neal, Lonny and wife, Barbara, Peggy and husband, Wayne, all of Albuquerque; four grandchildren: Kurt, Kimberly, Jay, and Connor; two sisters: Betty (Whelan) Rasmussen of Palatine, Ill., and Carol (Whelan) Gustafson of Albuquerque; and many nieces and nephews.
Nobie loved her Catholic faith, the Republican Party, her country, and Notre Dame Football. Archbishop Sheehan of Santa Fe, N.M., officiated her funeral mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church, in Albuquerque on Monday, April 27, 2009.