There are more than 12,000 bodies buried in historic Fairview Cemetery. Among the headstones dating back to 1881, you’ll find some of the leading families of Albuquerque and New Mexico: Deitz, Galles, Ross, Harwood, Huning, and others. Increase your knowledge of Albuquerque’s history by learning about those resting in peace in this cemetery.

The tour will be led by historian Susan Schwartz, along with descendants of selected famous families. Come to Fairview Memorial Park at 700 Yale Blvd. SE and proceed to the cemetery office on the east side of the cemetery. The tour will depart from the entrance to the historic area just north of the cemetery office. Please arrive prior to the 10:00 a.m. start time.

Here’s a brief preview of a few resting places you’ll see on the tour, one of the many fascinating events in the inaugural Before I Die ABQ Festival. The festival starts on Friday, October 20 and continues for six days until Wednesday, October 25, 2017.

Before I Die festivals foster reflection about how we as individuals and as a society manage death and dying. By providing space and opportunities to openly discuss end-of-life issues, we can improve the percentage of those who plan ahead and take actions to address our mortality.

Here’s a link to a Google map for all festival events. You’ll find more information at www.BeforeIDieABQ.com.

Many thanks to the sponsors of the Before I Die ABQ Festival:

• A Good Goodbye, funeral planning for those who don’t plan to die;
• French Funerals & Cremations, Albuquerque’s largest and oldest family-owned funeral service company;
• The Neptune Society, America’s most trusted cremation service;
• Lasting Legacy, Inc., providing Estate and Trust services to New Mexico families;
• Express Legal Solutions, LLC, documents you need at a price you can afford;
• Retirement Extender®, a team of specialists making the most of your finances;
• Morris Hall, PLLC, a premier estate planning law firm;
• LifeIZShort.com, publishers of practical guides for dealing with the inevitable by Peter Callan;
• The Old Pine Box, specializing in pine and cedar coffins and caskets, and specialty urns;
• My Final Checklist, a master file for personal information;
• Zia Trust, Inc., serving clients in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and 38 other states;
• 1-800-AUTOPSY, a thanatology specialty service company.