Heather Garner-Becknell

Heather Anne Garner-Becknell joined her beloved Paw in heaven on November 6, 2021. For much of her life, Heather fought serious medical battles, but she continued to stay strong and hopeful. She was loving, caring, generous, and a passionate defender of social justice. Everyone who knew her was amazed by her resilience and her ability to use whatever strength and energy she had to care for her family, her pets and the needs of others. Heather was born and grew up in Las Cruces. She was a graduate of Las Cruces High School having been an athletic trainer there for four years. She held bachelors and master's degrees in Elementary and Special Education and Bilingual Education from New Mexico State University. Heather's passion in teaching focused on the needs of special learners. She loved working with children with disabilities and mentored alternative licensure teachers who were learning how to teach in special education environments. Heather was a fierce and devoted advocate for animals, equality, and especially for family. She was dedicated to causes, to individuals and to those who suffered from pain or lack of opportunity. While Heather always appreciated the family that surrounded her, her greatest joy was found in the love of her daughter, Hayden Lee. No matter how much pain or sickness Heather endured, Hayden always brought hope to Heather‘s heart. For many years, those who were closest to Heather admired her for her kindness, compassion and beautiful smile. She enjoyed life with her family and friends taking advantage of every moment or opportunity when her health would allow her to participate. Her mother called Heather her "Brave Girl" which summed up her courage and tenacity. She will be sorely missed by her husband Conan Becknell, daughter Hayden Garner-Becknell, mother Anne Gallegos, father Robert Critt Garner (Sally Kosnick), sister Amy Vanderkooy, niece Hannah Vanderkooy, stepmother Mary Underwood (Larry Dorbandt), mother-in-law Carolyn Becknell, father-in-law Butch Becknell, sister-in-law Angela McCurdy (Marty McCurdy), niece Isabel Dominguez, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends. She is preceded in death by her stepfather, Robert Gallegos, and by her brother Michael Gallegos. The funeral mass for Heather will be held at Saint Albert the Great Newman Center in Las Cruces on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 8:30am. The mass will be live streamed on the Getz Funeral Home website and on Facebook on the church's website. The family wishes to thank Dr. David Valenzuela and his staff for many years of care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary. Service Information
Saturday, November 20, 2021 10:00am,
Newmen

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Details:
Service Extra Info Use the Urn Carrier and need to do Livestream