On any given day, you might find Carter wrenching on the family’s long-running Subaru project, Codi cruising the neighborhood with a toy stroller full of baby dolls, or the family’s two cats exploring every level of the house. More often than not, you’ll find everyone gathered outside enjoying the pool and the two-acre property they fell in love with three years ago.

For Gary and Jacquelyn Turcich, family time is the center of everything, and they have a gift for turning even the most ordinary moments into lasting memories.

The family settled into the neighborhood after spending time in both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Gary was born and raised in Rio Rancho, while Jacquelyn moved to Placitas from New Jersey as a teenager. When they discovered their home on Agua Sarca, they knew they had found something special.

The property checked every box on their wish list. They were drawn to the pool, the spacious corner lot, and a home filled with character. Natural light pours through the multilevel house, highlighting its unique blend of brick, hardwood, and adobe finishes. Outside, there is plenty of room to swim, explore, and enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful weather. The outdoor spaces have become a favorite gathering place for friends and family, while their cats, Kevin and Hot Sauce, treat the home like their own personal obstacle course.

“Our home needed a lot of love and truly a brave, creative family willing to put in the work and see the vision,” they said.

Gary and Jacquelyn first met more than a decade ago while attending the University of New Mexico’s Paramedic Program. They married in 2019 and quickly realized they shared many of the same values, including a passion for helping others and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Those values continue to shape their lives today. Gary serves as a firefighter-paramedic with Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, while Jacquelyn is Vice President of People Operations at Lavu, Inc. Together, they also founded The Monarch, a residential assisted living company in northwest Albuquerque. Inspired by years spent caring for others, they created a business dedicated to providing seniors with a more personal, compassionate, and elevated experience.

Yet despite their careers and business ventures, ask them what matters most and the answer comes quickly: family.

One of the most unique aspects of the Turcich family is the age gap between their children. Carter is 17, while Codi is three and a half.

Though they are in very different stages of life, the siblings share a remarkable bond.

“One of the sweetest parts of our family dynamic is the age gap between our children,” Gary and Jacquelyn shared. “Our oldest has naturally stepped into a loving and protective role and watching our youngest absolutely adore her big brother has been incredibly meaningful for us.”

Parenting children years apart has brought its share of challenges, laughs, and valuable reminders to appreciate every season of life.

Carter is a varsity athlete, a 4.0 student, and an avid car enthusiast who enjoys customizing his 2006 Subaru WRX. The WRX is not their only shared interest. Carter and Gary also enjoy weightlifting together, making the most of every opportunity to spend time side by side.

As a family, the Turcichs love swimming, hosting gatherings, spending time outdoors, attending Carter’s soccer games, and taking walks through the neighborhood.

“We make everything fun,” they said. “We can turn almost anything into a game. We’ve all got a competitive spirit.”

When asked when they feel most connected as a family, their answer was simple.

“When we tackle challenges together. We know that as a family, we can do anything.”

Helping others is another thread woven throughout the Turcich family’s story. Gary is involved with Special Olympics through the fire department and helps organize Christmas gift programs for families in need each year. Together, he and Jacquelyn have built careers centered on serving others, and those same values influence their family life, business, and relationships within the community.

The family enjoys taking walks through the neighborhood and stopping to chat with neighbors along the way. If you see Codi out and about, chances are she’s pushing a stroller packed with baby dolls. And when the family is in the mood for coffee, Soma is often their destination of choice.

When asked what they appreciate most about the neighborhood, the answer came easily: the people.

Earlier this year, Gary experienced a major health challenge, and neighbors immediately stepped in to help support the family through a difficult season.

“The neighbors immediately swooped in to support us through a very challenging time,” he shared.

For the Turcich family, that generosity and sense of community are what make this neighborhood more than just a place to live, they make it home.