Trujillo won confirmation in the Senate by a 38-0 vote. Traditional Full Service Includes: Basic services of funeral director and staff. Former state Public Education Secretary Karen Trujillo, shown in 2019 when she was named Las Cruces schools superintendent, was struck and killed by a van Feb. 25 in Las Cruces while walking her dogs. She really set my mind at ease, Sanchez said. Sandra Stephens, age 76, of Pueblo, Colorado passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. She made such a difference to so many, always putting kids first. Ben Trujillo said during the news conference thatthe family would work with NMSU on a way people could support Trujillo's legacy by giving to the Educators Rising program. While at NMSU Trujillo worked in multiple research and development roles forMath Snacks, a grant-funded programwhich developed a set of games and animations shown to help children improve their understanding ofmath concepts. Karen thereafter returned home, where she became Superintendent ofthe Las Cruces Public School District. Terms of Use | She fought for our kids at so many levels Even when others wouldnt. Soon after moving back to Las Cruces, and after Ewing's departure,the school board tapped Trujillo, well known in the community, to right the ship. Speaking personally on Friday, Dan remembered Karenas "just a wonderful person, a wonderful parent and a wonderful partner for my cousin Ben.". She had so much on her plate, but the first thing she asked me was how I'm doing. She delighted in her faith journeywith a particular devotion to Mary and the Holy Familyand, at the same time, Karen saw the Spirit of God in all whose lives she touched, whatever their background. var width = jQuery(window).width(); Dozens of Albuquerque Academy students volunteered to help unload and deliver the furnishings. Were going to figure it out.. Elisia Miranda Trujillo entered into life eternal on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the age of 94. He said, through tears, he would miss those calls. She is pictured here answering questions at a news conference. Albuquerque NM 87125-0704, APS Administration In her youth, she was active in 4-H, and began her lifelong affair with words, art, music, and nature. karen trujillo obituary. Bethany Freudenthal can be reached at bfreudenthal@lcsun-news.com, 575-541-5449or @bethanyfreuden1on Twitter. if (document.context) document.write ("&context=" + escape(document.context)); Karen also started NMSU's Southwest Outreach Academic Research Lab and worked in multiple research and development rolesforMath Snacks, a grant-funded programwhich developed a set of games and animations to help children understandmath concepts. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. He passed peacefully at home with his loved ones at his side. . Ex-city rep critical of ending city managers contract, Fort Bliss senior enlisted leader calls it a career, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies at, Chapin wins in double OT to advance to Regional Final, Poll: San Eli named top small historic town, Nearly perfect Saturday; warm winds, 75 on Sunday, Texans encouraged to report severe weather damage, Lighter, Warmer Winds Friday; Perfect Saturday; Mid-70s, Thursday Forecast: Snowy morning, gusty afternoon, Exclusive 9 day forecast: Possible snow Thursday, NM State baseball drops to 0-8 after loss to Pacific, UTEP women ready for clash at No. After hundreds of hours of planning, following regular revisions of the public health order, Trujillo and LCPS officials werethrilled to offer in-person learning to some of the district's most vulnerable students. She will be sorely missed.- Stan Rounds, Ex. ; Devoted father of James A. Ortiz, Desiree Ortiz, and the late Micheal Vegas; kind stepfather of David Wheeler, Angela (Jesse) Cook, and Katie (Joe) Thomas; Cherished grandfather of Charlotte, Josiah, Mykie, Kurtis , Rylie, Alyssa, Alexandra and Kaylin; Loving son . He can be reached at 575-202-3205, mmcdevitt@lcsun-news.com or @MikeMcDTweets on Twitter. For almosta year, that column has been featured in the Community section each Sunday. After teaching math at Las Cruces High School for two years, she returned to NMSUwhere she received herPh.D. in Secondary Education, Mathematics, Curriculum andInstruction. We will forever remember Superintendent Trujillo as a role model for all educators, a fierce defender of public education, and a trusted ally. "Take the time to find a polling place, read about each candidate and issue, and vote.". May 4, 1950 - July 22, 2013 Lemon Grove, California Set a Reminder for the Anniversary of Karen's Passing. Skip to main content (800) 896-5587. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and community.. Michelle Lujan Grisham tapped her to head the state Public Education Department, and she was unanimously confirmed by the state Senate. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. A mother of three, Karen Trujillo was a teacher, principal, and administrator at NMSU before becoming a government official. Reaction from all over the state was posted on social media following the tragic news. Trujillo was killed after being struck by a vehicle while walking her dogs Thursday night, Las Cruces Police confirm. Trujillo, 50, was a longtime educator and researcher who served briefly as the states public education secretary. For online memorial messages please visit .