From Nathan Allred, former student

From Nathan Allred--8 years old (as dictated to his mom)

Mrs. Bilderbeck was my 2nd grade teacher last year. She gave us a lot of work and expected a lot from each of us. It was hard for her to go from teaching 5th graders to teaching 2nd graders. She loved us though. We worked hard through all the work together.

I'm going to miss Mrs. Bilderbeck, but I know that Heavenly Father has taken her home to Him so that she can rest. This is His way of saying "You've worked so hard here and you are so tired. Here. Come back to me and I'll let your exhausted body finally rest." We can miss her, but we shouldn't be sad for her. I know she's not sad! She's probably up there teaching all the little kids who have died how to read and write and do horrible fraction problems! And, all those little kids are probably complaining and wondering why a teacher had to come to their part of heaven and make them come inside from just goofing off.

But, they'll all love her too, just like we did.

I love you Mrs. Bilderbeck!

Love,
Nathan

From Christian Brill

John [and José], I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was always so kind and welcoming to me - friendly when I spent the night and even indulging our hours of frisbee playing in the field next door. The last time I saw her was probably in 1993, about two years after you had left Fayetteville. She was kind enough to drive you all the way to Albuquerque where we were staying in a hotel while traveling through. I think we had dinner and tossed a frisbee in the parking lot for old times sake. It was so great of her to listen to our pleas and make a trip on a weeknight just so we could get together for a few hours. I know you have many wonderful memories and I hope that is providing some comfort too.

From Kathryn Dolan

You asked for memories of your mom and I would like to share a few. I found a french language book once at your house and asked your mom about it. She spent time talking to me about the challenges of learning a new language and how interesting it is to visit a different country. I remember thinking how exciting her life was and thought it was nice how she encouraged me to continue pursuing a foreign language, even though it was tough.

Another time you had a bunch of us over to watch a movie. She made popcorn and food for us and talked with us about school. She prodded you a few times to offer to get us something to drink. I think you were annoyed that us feminists could get our own drinks! But she gently said, "Johnny, do your guests want something else?" I laugh thinking about it now.

There was a dance we all went to--Joe, Mitschke, Heather, Annika, you, me and Mike Hammond. We met at your house and your mom took lots of pictures. I still have one. She's not in it--but I remember her telling all the girls how nice we looked. She set us up in your living room and then told us to have fun.

These are all simple memories, regular everyday happenings and may seem insignificant. But when reflecting, it occurs to me your mom was just always there. She was happy to be involved in your life, know your friends, and welcome them into your home. It's a loving parent that not everyone has. I can't offer advice on how to deal with such a loss. But I can say your mom was a wonderful person who raised two very kind and intelligent guys. I am sure you would credit her with much of your success. She deserves that praise because it was clear how much she loved you and José and how devoted she was to your happiness.

From Karen Hunter

Zulema was an inspiration to us all and I will forever be blessed having known her. I met her when the Bilderbecks moved to Las Cruces at a soccer game that the boys were playing in for Mayfield. She wasn't like the other parents who all sat away from the students. Not Zulema, she was unique and always wanted to chat with us. She sat with us girls at the soccer game which was what she was, one of us girls.

I have wonderful memories of going to the Bilderbecks on many occasions during high school. Zulema and John always made it a welcoming home we all took comfort in. Though we all grew up so quickly and left Las Cruces as quickly as we could, every holiday when everyone was in town we would still go over to the Bilderbecks' house just like we did in high school to hang out. Zulema would want to hear how we were doing and what we were up to. It was special because she cared so much about each and every one of us. The last time I was able to see Zulema was last Thanksgiving. She was still her amazing caring wonderful self which is how I will always remember her.

She will be forever missed and an inspiration to us all how she lived her life with such direction and compassion.

From Yahaira Chanlatte

I was on Zulema's second grade team last year. We were so excited about having her back on our team this year, especially after she decided NOT to go back to fifth grade. She was an integral part of our team, and it just will not be the same without her. We loved her very much and admired her, both as a person and as a teacher. She gave so much of herself, and we would always encourage her to at least take some time for herself. But even when she took a day off, she would be in the school assessing her kids to meet some deadline. She will be extremely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

From Eileen Gutierrez

Zulema was a wonderful teacher and friend. What an incredible inspiration she was to us all and I know that I will miss her deeply. She brought a lot of joy and laughter to our building and I am forever thankful.
Thank you Zulema for teaching us.

Eileen Gutierrez
University Hills Elementary

From Jan Morehead

I had the honor of serving as Zulema's New University Supervisor when she did her student teaching at Desert Hills Elementary School. Zulema was also a student in the Early Childhood Education class I taught.
She was an incredibly gifted and talented person. She had this wonderful smile and loved life. I was not aware of her passing and I am so sad. My life has been blessed by this incredible woman. I will miss her, but memories of her will live on in my heart.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Jan Morehead
Desert Hills Elementary