Obituary of Stella Maria Delgado-Kinnison

Stella Maria Delgado-Kinnison passed away Monday, January 22, 2024, at her home in Albuquerque, NM. Stella was born on June 5, 1940, in Santa Fe, NM.

Stella graduated from Loretto Academy in Santa Fe in 1958. Shortly after graduation from high school, she joined the United States Marine Corp. She served with distinction from July 1958 through December of 1961, at which time she was honorably discharged after earning the rank of Corporal. In July 1982 Stella Joined the New Mexico Air National Guard and served until February 1986 as a Safety Administrator. Upon her discharge, she had earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.

As a wife and mother Stella decided to further her education. She attended Eastern New Mexico University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975 as a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education. Stella went on to further her education and in 1985 earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico.

Stella served her community as a special education teacher for the next 30 years. It was her passion, and she loved her kids! Stella demonstrated her love for children by serving for several years as a NM State Special Olympics Area II Coordinator and Special Olympics Event Director.

Stella was an active member of the Rio Grande Mustang Club along with her husband George Kinnison. They often traveled to various Mustang Club events proudly displaying their own vintage Mustang.

Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia Fritsch of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brothers Joe Delgado and Gene Delgado; sister Cecilia Delgado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Stella was preceded in death by her husband, George Kinnison; mother, Juanita Delgado; father, Santiago Delgado; sister, Gertrude Armendariz; and her beloved dog Zhor.

Instead of flowers, Stella would prefer donations to the YWCA-Henderson House in Albuquerque – the first Transitional Living Center for homeless women veterans and their dependent children.

A memorial service will be held at the Riverside Funeral Home in Albuquerque, NM on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.