Irma W. Arellano

Dr. Irma W. Arellano, 84, passed away on June 3, 2022. It is believed that her tenacity for life and stubbornness contributed to valiantly staving off numerous mounting health issues winning the good fight on numerous occasions these last 8 months before succumbing to the toll, but her positive attitude held true to the end.

Irma's colorful life experiences contributed to a mountain of stuff left behind for her daughter and son who have no idea what to do with it all. So, if you’re looking for a couple of ancient TiVo DVRs, a gigantic oak desk, credenza and throwback file cabinets, a collection of ceramic knickknacks, or original exercise equipment from the 60s, we’ve got the ticket. Wait the appropriate time and get in touch. Tomorrow would be fine. But this is not an ad for a garage sale but an obituary for a great Woman, Mother, Friend, and Neighbor born May 20, 1938 in Valmora, NM to John L. Wasson and Benita Moya.

Irma leaves behind an appropriately dysfunctional and irreverent family that she was proud to call her tribe. She was world-renowned for her take-charge attitude (or some called it bossiness) and not holding back her opinion, telling it like it is. We were told on many occasions to stand on our own two feet and figure it out; we’d know the right thing to do. Trust your gut. Apparently as a child, Irma walked to school and back home in the snow uphill both directions, or so we were told, and should take personal responsibility for your actions and to always be kind.

As a lifelong educator and holder of a doctorate in education (Ed.D) from New Mexico State University, use of proper grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to craft a good argument were always demanded and have served us well. Irma LOVED teaching children and her career included teaching first grade, acting as an administrator and principal, and managing federal programs serving bilingual and New Mexico schools in the Bloomfield School District and statewide. Her dedication to lifelong learning, self-improvement and always exploring opportunities to expand her spirituality were reflected in her faith. Those lucky enough to be Irma's friends always knew where they stood and her opinion on everything from politics to menu planning, whether they asked or not. Which was actually funny because what she made best was reservations. If you’ve heard otherwise and would like a copy of Irma's homemade meatloaf, we suggest you don’t.

Irma will be sorely missed and survived by her children, Lori (Arellano) Waugh, and Anthony Arellano and granddaughter Erin Waugh. We all loved her dearly and will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, grace (when pertinent) and undying love and caring for us all.

Mom has always been a huge advocate for students in the classroom and devoted her career to it. She always told our family “Don’t send flowers when I’m dead, give them to me now so I can enjoy them” In that spirit we ask in lieu of flowers, please go to donorschoose.org

 https://www.donorschoose.org

The site directly funds classroom projects.

Teachers put out requests for specifics they need in their classrooms like a rug for students to read on, books, supplies etc. You can donate the entire amount they need or just a portion to get them moving in the right direction.

A service for those who would like to attend will be Monday, June 13th

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

1502 Sara Rd, S.E., Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Viewing - 9:00 am

Rosary - 10:00 am

Mass - 10:30 am

Gate of Heaven Cemetery

7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM  87109

Interment following Mass - 12:00pm

Please note her change of address to her new place of residence, Gate of Heaven Cemetery and know that she was buried with a fork because you never know.

There might be dessert.