Stepney Cortez Kibble

1925-2016 Stepney Cortez Kibble, age 91, a resident of Rio Communities, Belen, since September 1980, passed away peacefully at home, of natural causes, on March 23, 2016, surrounded by family. Cortez was born in Trenton, NJ on March 18, 1925. His life was characterized by steadfast service to family, church, country and community. His 30 years of government service included military tours with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He commenced a 26-year diplomatic career with the U.S. State Department in 1954, promoting cultural exchange in locations throughout the world, including India, Iraq, Pakistan, Argentina, Liberia, Guyana, Surinam and Washington, DC. His life was rich with far flung adventures that included encounters with many historic figures and events. But his greatest adventure commenced during his first diplomatic posting to India, where he encountered a force of nature named Mabel, who was working as a member of the local staff. They were married in Madras, India in 1956, and enjoyed 49 years together until she passed away in 2005. After serving his country for 30 years, Cortez continued serving his local community for over 30 more. Following retirement to Belen, he worked as a public affairs officer with the First National Bank of Belen. He volunteered in numerous church and civic endeavors, including the Cathedral of St. John in Albuquerque, the Valley Improvement Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the Optimist Club. He graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC, with a bachelor’s degree cum laude in Government. He completed postgraduate studies in international relations at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service Institute and the National War College. Cortez was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel; his brother, Frank; and his parents, Stepney and Carolyn Kibble. He is survived by his son, Kumar; daughter-in-law, Laura; grandchildren, Savanna, Samantha and Christian; as well as his nephew, Frank Kibble, Jr. The Kibble family extends special thanks to Cortez’s caregivers of six years, Maria and Enrique Aramburu. Cortez regarded them as family, and the feeling was mutual. A funeral service will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. John, 318 Silver Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Cortez to the Outreach Program, The Cathedral Church of St. John, 318 Silver Avenue SW, P.O. Box 1246, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Please sign Cortez’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.

Stepney Cortez Kibble

March 18, 1925 - March 23, 2016