Donald Jerome Brockwell

Donald Jerome Brockwell

Born To Life: December 27, 1932

Born to Eternal Life: December 23, 2019

Don Brockwell, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was born on December 27, 1932 to Paul and Marguerite Brockwell in Tulsa, OK.   He was the youngest of four children.  He attended twelve years of school at Marquette Catholic School and received his bachelor’s degree at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.   He earned his master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Guidance at the Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, CO.

Don married the love of his life, Virginia Brockwell, on December 28, 1957 at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa.

After serving in the Army, he started his teaching career in Michigan for two and half years.  They moved to Albuquerque, and he worked in all levels of counseling for over thirty years with the Albuquerque Public Schools.  He was one of the first elementary counselors and was on the planning team for the Career Enrichment Center. Over the years, countless former students would reach out to family and comment how Mr. Brockwell had changed their lives.  Many heartwarming stories were shared how he believed in them when nobody else did. He gave his students confidence and tirelessly worked to help thousands of students reach their potential through obtaining scholarships and furthering their education.  It was rare he ever took a sick day.  He wanted to always be available to any student that was troubled or in need of his help.

Don was a wonderful example for his children and grandchildren and a devout lifelong Catholic. His life was guided by honest hard work, unwavering morality and to helping those in need. In his later years, he'll be remembered as a man of few words, but that was often all he needed to deliver his quick wit and timely sense of humor. A favorite example of this was at his granddaughter’s wedding.  He was asked for words of wisdom on how he had managed to have a long and happy marriage for over 60 years.  His famous reply was, “Keep your mouth shut!”

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, his son John Brockwell (Karen) his daughter Patricia Keefner (Jim), grandchildren James Keefner, Angelique Malecek (Marcus), Grace Brockwell, and great-granddaughter Anastasia Malecek. 

He was preceded in death by his son Thomas, his parents, and siblings Paul, William and Mary Ann.

In lieu of flowers Don has requested that his Catholic friends say a Rosary and his Protestant friends say an Our Father. Services will be held on January 10, 2020 at San Ysidro Catholic Church in Corrales.  The Rosary will be at 10:30am followed by the Mass at 11:00am.