Jennie E. Maes, 84, a resident of Mora, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in Albuquerque.She was born on Oct. 19, 1931, in Mora to Juan B. Maes and Eloisa Trujillo.Jennie's childhood memories were happy and rewarding ones, filled with hard work and roaming the Cerrito. She wrote in her biography, "A favorite activity of mine was the removing of bean beetles from the pinto bean plants. If not removed, these beetles would eat the plants. This task was assigned to a younger brother and me. It involved capturing the poor, little creatures and dropping them into a pop bottle, and then covering the bottle with one of our thumbs. After hurriedly clearing the field of beetles, we would decide who had gathered the most beetles. Then we were free to roam the 'Cerrito,' or little mountain." She went on to write, "There was always so much work to do and no time for boredom – and adventures were abounding. How I loved it." Because she knew only Spanish, the beginning of her formal education was difficult, but, "Once having mastered English, I became one of the top students in my class." Jennie went on to be named the valedictorian of her Mora High School graduating class. Jennie earned her first degree in elementary education and sociology from Loretto Heights College in Denver (Regis University). She went on to earn a master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of New Mexico. She was a primary school teacher and guidance counselor for over 30 years and developed programs in special education.While attending UNM, her studies led her to a lifetime vocation of speaking out about the dangers of substance abuse. Jennie had a very deep and close relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Scared Heart Society of St. Gertrude the Great Parish in Mora. Praying and spreading the Divine Mercy Caplet was a joy to her to the end.She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Eloisa Maes; brothers and sister, Joe Maes, Charlie Maes, Mary Gonzales and Larry Maes. She is survived by her brothers, Hilario G. Maes and wife, Nora, of Anthony;/ Floyd E. Maes and wife, Maxine, of Mora, and Tony Maes of Albuquerque; sister-in-law, Theresa Maes of Los Lunas; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.Rosary services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at St. Gertrude Church in Mora with funeral services following Rosary with Father Paul Grala SOLT as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Mora Cemetery in Mora.Visit Rogers Mortuary's website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign their online register book.Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary; 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas; 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.