Anna Mae 'Ann' Brockman

SILVER CITY, N.M. - Anna Mae "Ann" Brockman, longtime resident of Silver City, passed away peacefully at the Silver City Care Center on Feb. 11, 2014.

Ann was born on Aug. 9, 1929, to Thomas and Anna Popko, in Oma, Wis. She and her eight siblings grew up on the family farm and worked in the lumber camps that were operated by her father.

After completing high school, Ann left the farm to pursue her passion in a nursing related field. She moved to Minneapolis, where she completed her education in X-ray technology at the University of Minnesota and subsequently became a certified X-ray technician. She received training at the Minneapolis General Hospital. After getting her degree and training, she moved to Silver City in 1949 where she began working at Watts Clinic.

Soon thereafter in the early 1950s, Ann met the love of her life, James H. Brockman. They were married in Silver City in 1953. Ann and Jim had three sons: Thomas, James and Michael. Ann was a stay-at-home mom while the three boys were growing up. Ann was well known as being one of the kindest and caring people in the community.

After the boys were grown, Ann resumed her passion of caring by returning to work at Hillcrest General Hospital. After her retirement, Ann would give daily visits to many older people in Silver City, continuing to give care by administering vitamin shots and taking blood pressure readings. In 1981, due to her generous and caring ways, Ann was awarded "Lady of the Year" by the Silver City/Grant County Chamber of Commerce and the Silver City Woman's Club. She was so gracious and proud to receive this award. "Ma Brockman," as she was known by many, was truly loved and she will be sorely missed. Ann was a member of the St. Francis Newman Center Parrish.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; her eldest son, Thomas; and her brothers, John and Eugene Popko.

Ann is survived by her sons, James Brockman, of Silver City, and Michael (Stephanie) Brockman, of Longmont, Colo.; brothers, Thomas Popko, Donald (Rita) Popko, Gordon (Sandy) Popko and Michael (Mary) Popko; sisters, Mary Jane (Donald) Begalle and Virginia (Donald) Kroitzsh; and by three grandchildren, Tommy, Shane and Lucas.

As per Ann's wishes, no services will be held and her remains will be joined with those of her husband. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Her final arrangements are being handled by Baca's Funeral Chapel in Silver City.