Clarice Getz

Clarice Getz, a long-time resident of Santa Fe, passed away on March 1st, 2025. She was proud of being born in Helper which is a railroad and coal mining community in Utah where her father, as an electrician, was a signal maintainer for the Denver and Rio Grande railroad. Clarice met Gordon T. Getz Sr., and they were married before eventually moving to Santa Fe in 1958. They raised 7 children – Rosemary, Gordon Jr., Barbara, Martha, Paula, Paul and Carolyn. Clarice was a loving mother who taught her children to appreciate art, music, and crafts. She was an accomplished pastel artist and violinist enjoying these passions well into her 80’s. Clarice was very special and touched many lives with her beautiful smile and friendly nature. After her marriage ended, she worked for the NM State Government for 20 years and obtained an Associate Degree in Public Administration from Northern NM Community College.

Upon retiring in 1991, Clarice enjoyed many years of traveling and AARP advocacy volunteering with her loving partner, Waldo Anton. Clarice was inducted into the AARP New Mexico Hall of Fame in 2010. She also served for several years as the chair of the AARP New Mexico Consumer Legislative Committee. Clarice, and Waldo, were recipients of the AARP New Mexico Andrus Award for Community Service in 2007.

Clarice is survived by her children: Rosemary Sutton; Barbara Getz (Bob Goldstein); Martha Gallagher (Mark); Paula Getz; Paul Getz (Audrey Martinez); Carolyn Perkins (Keith Johnson); Grandchildren: Ginny Evans (Willy); Amanda Thomas (Sean); Michelle Kuenzler (Wiley); Matthew Gallagher (Ryleigh); James Perkins; Great-grandchildren: Ashleigh Kagan; Madison Thomas, Liam Thomas; Liam Kuenzler, Cecelia Kuenzler, Vivian Kuenzler, Colter Kuenzler; Ari Gallagher, Yara Gallagher; and her partner of 46 years Waldo Anton.

She is preceded in death by her oldest son, Gordon T. Getz, Jr. (Toni).

A memorial celebrating Clarice’s life will be held April 14, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. (Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations in Santa Fe)