Natalie Anne Gallegos

Natalie Anne Gallegos passed away early Friday morning, June 12, 2020. She is survived by her parents, Rudy and Imelda Gallegos; her brother Ron, sister-in-law Nicole, nephew Dylan and niece McKenzie Gallegos, Uncle Mike and Aunt Gloria Lopez, Aunt Frances and Uncle Lalo Gallegos, Aunt Helen, Aunt Lupe, Uncles and spouses Abie and Clarabelle, David and Alice, Billy and Margie, plus extended family members and her dear friend Wendy Russel.

Natalie graduated from UNM with a Bachelor of Arts in English, from Highlands University with a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and, most recently, from Claremont School of Theology with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (Hebraic Studies) She worked in business and finance before becoming a teacher in the Santa Fe Public School District 15 years ago where she taught at Atalaya, Cesar Chavez, Amy Biehl, Wood Gormley, Aspen and Tesuque.

She was an active member of Temple Beth Shalom but loved to be engaged in any type of theological discussion. She was passionate about singing and joined many choirs; community, Christian and Jewish. She was deeply committed to educating children, all children, and was skillful in developing meaningful curriculum to engage the whole child. She was a consummate educator and continually put herself in the position as student where she always rose to the position of scholar. 

Natalie lived Shalom. Peace, acceptance, inclusion and honor were all at the center of who she was as a human being. She honored life and creation in all its forms and at all stages. She honored everyone for who they were and valued their distinct talents. 

We will miss her sparkling personality, her sharp wit, her brilliant mind, the twinkle she would get in her eyes when she talked about her “kids”, her unconditional love, her determined spirit and her willingness to always bring people along her journey. Natalie took her role of “Nana” very seriously. Her nephew, Dylan and niece McKenzie, were her pride and joy and she consistently engaged them in pursuits of all kinds.

Her graveside service was conducted by Rabbi Neil Amswych at Santa Fe Memorial Gardens on Sunday, June 14, 2020. She was eulogized by Wendy Russel. Condolences can be sent to Rudy and Imelda Gallegos at 1300 Camino Carlos Rael. Donations for district wide literacy projects can be sent to SFPS Education Central Office at 610 Alta Vista. Please label any checks for the Natalie Gallegos Literacy Fund. They will be distributed as needed throughout the district since Natalie worked at so many schools within the SFPS system.

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