Hi neighbors! I’m Mary Bader, and my family and I have been proud residents of North Albuquerque Acres since 2005. Our story is a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, service, culture, and deep roots in community—a story that spans continents and now finds its heart right here in the Acres.

My husband, Gallus, and I met in a remarkable way—at the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. I was working as a diplomat in the Economic Section, and he was serving as a Marine Guard. That meeting sparked a partnership that would take us around the world. We’ve lived and worked in Europe, Asia, and Africa, embracing the richness and challenges of different cultures and places. Gallus earned his degree in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of Maryland, and today, he continues his public service here in New Mexico with the Department of Energy.

Our family is blessed with four incredible sons, each carving their own path while rooted in the values we hold dear. Our eldest, Gallus Jr., lives right here in Albuquerque and works for a local company, deeply connected to the community that raised him. Garrick is currently serving in the Army at Fort Bragg as a federal agent, a role that demands courage and commitment. Grant completed his military career and now serves as a Federal Agent with the Department of Energy’s Office of Secure Transportation in Tennessee. Our youngest son, Gabe, graduated from Franklin University in Switzerland with a degree in International Relations, minoring in French and History, and now works for the City of Albuquerque. Gabe’s global perspective and love for languages—he’s fluent in French and has studied Korean and Mandarin—remind us of the wide world beyond our doorstep.

Professionally, my journey has been one of creativity and connection. After studying business at Healds Business College and the University of Maryland, I followed my passion for art and design. I earned my contractor’s license in California, where I worked on high-end decorating projects for model homes with well-known builders like Pulte and Centex. When we moved here, I obtained my New Mexico Painting and Decorating License and had the joy of working with hundreds of homeowners and several commercial projects, including local favorites like Pizzeria Luca and Mario’s Restaurant. In 2011, I shifted gears into real estate, founding The Bader Real Estate Group in 2016. Our team’s success is built on trust, integrity, and the personal relationships we develop with our clients—many of whom become lifelong friends.

Living in North Albuquerque Acres is a dream come true for us. The open spaces, quiet streets, and stunning sunsets create a peaceful refuge after years of globe-trotting. We love sitting on our long porch during monsoon season, watching lightning paint the sky, and greeting neighbors who feel like extended family. This neighborhood gives us the balance of country living with city conveniences—perfect for raising our boys and making memories.

Giving back is central to who we are. Our family supports many local charities and causes. We participate in Wreaths Across America, honoring veterans at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. We also give our time and resources to Silver Horizon Senior Center, St. Felix Pantry, UNM Children’s Hospital, and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Recently, we’ve become involved with Heading Home Job Connect, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness find stable employment. Our community is stronger when we lift each other up, and it’s a privilege to contribute.

What makes the Acres so special is the sense of belonging and connection. We cherish our long walks through the neighborhood, the friendly hellos from neighbors, and the chance encounters that turn into lasting friendships. We’ve even joined classic Chevy truck clubs, sharing a passion that brings joy and camaraderie to our family.

a reflection of the values that shape us every day. We are grateful to call North Albuquerque Acres home, and we look forward to continuing to grow, give back, and create a legacy here for generations to come.

If you want to connect, ask about real estate, or simply chat about our community, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.