Kendra Selina Lucero Claeson

Kendra Selina Lucero Claeson, 44, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 4, 2024. A brave warrior, she fought the ravages of scleroderma for 18 years. Though constantly in pain and tripped up by one medical problem after another, she remained joyful and determined to see her children grow up.

Kendra is survived by her beloved grandson Orlando Lucero, her mother, Kathy Garrett, her children Isaac Lucero and his fiance Aliyah Giron, Anthony and Kailee Claeson, and Liz Moreno. She is also survived by her sister Natalie and husband Louis Heckroth, nieces Taylor and Kasey Heckroth, Ashley Lopez and Samantha Lucero and sister in law Ronda Lucero. She will also be deeply missed by her companion and partner M. Y. Spear. Much loved as brothers and sisters are numerous cousins along with her aunts and uncles. Kendra made friends wherever she went and leaves behind many chosen sisters and brothers who were dearly loved.

Kendra was greeted in heaven by her grandparents, her Uncle Eddie Lucero, her brother Robert Lucero and her sisters Miranda Sanchez and Erin Thomas.

Kendra attended Sandia High School where she played basketball and volleyball – yes she was 5’2” standing as tall as she could with shoes on. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and her master’s in social work from Highlands University. She worked at CYFD until her disease forced her to retire at the ripe old age of 33. Kendra loved being a social worker. For many years she would help people in precarious situations and proclaim, “I was a social worker today!”

Kendra began singing on stage with her sister when she was 3 and was still belting out songs with Kailee the week before she died. Kendra’s children were her life. She struggled to survive all the ravages of scleroderma to be a part of her childrens’ lives for as long as possible. Before she became ill she was team mom for baseball and football teams. She volunteered at Eastdale Little League. She was photographer for the kids’ teams. After she became ill she was still able to serve as scorekeeper. Her greatest joy was supporting her children in all their endeavors.

We wish to specifically thank Dr. Ronnie Garner, Dr. Erik Carlson, Dr. Carl Furst and the caring staff at the Presbyterian Downtown infusion center, who were responsible for giving her so many years with her family when it initially appeared she only had months to live. There were also many doctors, nurses, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners who made Kendra’s journey possible, and we wish to acknowledge all of them and the staff at Pres ICU who were Kendra’s last caregivers.

A particular thank you to Louise Lucero, Marie Lucero and Analisa Lucero who have always been special family and were so helpful in Kendra’s final days.

Rosary and celebration of life will be at Daniels Family Funerals, 7601 Wyoming NE, Thursday, March 21 at 6pm. The rosary will be live streamed at the funeral home website. Funeral Mass will be offered at Queen of Heaven Church, Friday, March 22 at 10am. Reception will immediately follow the Mass. A private interment will be held at a later date.