1977
Heather
2017
Heather Jaramillo
March 7, 1977 — October 16, 2017
Heather Lynn Jaramillo
On Monday, October 16, 2017, at our family home, Heather Lynn Jaramillo was peacefully released from earthly cares and passed into the presence and grace of our Heavenly Father. She was born March 7, 1977 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to David and Charlene Jaramillo. The meaning of the name Heather describes a pretty flower uniquely found in rocky areas where one would not expect flowers to flourish. Heather was aptly named because despite living 40 years, she lived the full life of an 80 year old. Many experiences and hardships she encountered yet through it, Heather loved us with all of her might and we have been blessed by her hearty laughter, generous spirit and fierce loyalty. We thank our Lord for the honor of being selected as Heather’s parents, sister and auntie. That He saw us as worthy of sharing our lives with this big-hearted and spirited woman is a gift for which we will always be grateful. While it is extremely painful for us to bury her, we have peace knowing she lived the remainder of her life reconnected and well-cared for by our family.
She lived her feelings honestly and this is an admirable trait despite the fact that her viewpoint sometimes got her into trouble with her parents as a young lady. While a student at Valley High School (Class of 1996), a report card reflected excessive absences much to the disapproval of her parents. The truth was that Heather’s only expectation of the high school experience was to socialize with her friends. When confronted by Charlie and asked why she had so many absences in English class, Heather coolly replied, “I don’t DO English.” This response and Charlie’s subsequent reaction evokes fits of laughter to this day. Heather told David years later that when she was ditching English class (on her way to Stuffys), she’d often see a fire truck drive by, causing young Heather to panic with the thought that it was her Dad, a firefighter at the time, in that truck.
Heather enjoyed celebrating holidays as well as milestones and accomplishments of her family. She would make homemade cards for our special occasions with hand-created drawings and inscriptions that only Heather could get away with! Her zest for life was demonstrated with her enjoyment of fishing, camping and dancing. What an enormous capacity for kindness she had, for her favorite and most fulfilling employment was with Dungarvin, where she worked as a caregiver to those with disabilities. She was certainly well-known for her tender heart toward the homeless and animals. Her own fur babies (Chiquita, Princess and Lolita) were spoiled and never lacked for love. While Heather’s own dreams of motherhood were not realized, she had her “Beautifuls”- the nieces and nephews who were the true loves of her life – Geana, Charlene, Anthony Jr. and Sonny Jr. She unconditionally loved each as her own and was a confidante and constant believer in their gifts and abilities. She was exceedingly proud of all four and looked forward to their future success and happiness.
Heather is survived by her loving parents David and Charlene (Charlie); Nana Leona Forkey; sister Dana Mitchell; brother Anthony Jaramillo Sr. and fiancée Angela Valenzuela; Heather’s nieces and nephews - Geana Jaramillo, Charlene Mitchell, Anthony Jaramillo Jr., and Sonny C. Mitchell Jr.
Pallbearers are Anthony Jaramillo Sr., Raul Jaramillo, Anthony Jaramillo Jr., Sonny C. Mitchell Jr., Sam Anaya and Jon Anaya.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating clothing to Steelbridge Resource Center (2021 2nd Street NW in Albuquerque) – just as our Heather used to do. Given her tremendous love of animals, we encourage you to consider giving your time as a volunteer or perhaps send a memorial donation in Heather’s honor to Animal Humane New Mexico (615 Virginia St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108). Know that we will appreciate flowers all the same especially because Heather loved flowers. Thank you for the outpouring of love that has enveloped us during this heartbreaking time. We will remember Heather with her beautiful smile and her eyes sparkling with light. We will always cherish the love we were privileged to receive from her. We look forward to the day when we hear her signature unbridled laughter when we are reunited. Bird, you are free – spread your wings and fly. Thank you for loving us.
On Monday, October 23, 2017, please feel free to wear purple as a tribute to Heather, it being her favorite color. Thank you all for your presence, prayers and kindness.
Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God.
On Monday, October 16, 2017, at our family home, Heather Lynn Jaramillo was peacefully released from earthly cares and passed into the presence and grace of our Heavenly Father. She was born March 7, 1977 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to David and Charlene Jaramillo. The meaning of the name Heather describes a pretty flower uniquely found in rocky areas where one would not expect flowers to flourish. Heather was aptly named because despite living 40 years, she lived the full life of an 80 year old. Many experiences and hardships she encountered yet through it, Heather loved us with all of her might and we have been blessed by her hearty laughter, generous spirit and fierce loyalty. We thank our Lord for the honor of being selected as Heather’s parents, sister and auntie. That He saw us as worthy of sharing our lives with this big-hearted and spirited woman is a gift for which we will always be grateful. While it is extremely painful for us to bury her, we have peace knowing she lived the remainder of her life reconnected and well-cared for by our family.
She lived her feelings honestly and this is an admirable trait despite the fact that her viewpoint sometimes got her into trouble with her parents as a young lady. While a student at Valley High School (Class of 1996), a report card reflected excessive absences much to the disapproval of her parents. The truth was that Heather’s only expectation of the high school experience was to socialize with her friends. When confronted by Charlie and asked why she had so many absences in English class, Heather coolly replied, “I don’t DO English.” This response and Charlie’s subsequent reaction evokes fits of laughter to this day. Heather told David years later that when she was ditching English class (on her way to Stuffys), she’d often see a fire truck drive by, causing young Heather to panic with the thought that it was her Dad, a firefighter at the time, in that truck.
Heather enjoyed celebrating holidays as well as milestones and accomplishments of her family. She would make homemade cards for our special occasions with hand-created drawings and inscriptions that only Heather could get away with! Her zest for life was demonstrated with her enjoyment of fishing, camping and dancing. What an enormous capacity for kindness she had, for her favorite and most fulfilling employment was with Dungarvin, where she worked as a caregiver to those with disabilities. She was certainly well-known for her tender heart toward the homeless and animals. Her own fur babies (Chiquita, Princess and Lolita) were spoiled and never lacked for love. While Heather’s own dreams of motherhood were not realized, she had her “Beautifuls”- the nieces and nephews who were the true loves of her life – Geana, Charlene, Anthony Jr. and Sonny Jr. She unconditionally loved each as her own and was a confidante and constant believer in their gifts and abilities. She was exceedingly proud of all four and looked forward to their future success and happiness.
Heather is survived by her loving parents David and Charlene (Charlie); Nana Leona Forkey; sister Dana Mitchell; brother Anthony Jaramillo Sr. and fiancée Angela Valenzuela; Heather’s nieces and nephews - Geana Jaramillo, Charlene Mitchell, Anthony Jaramillo Jr., and Sonny C. Mitchell Jr.
Pallbearers are Anthony Jaramillo Sr., Raul Jaramillo, Anthony Jaramillo Jr., Sonny C. Mitchell Jr., Sam Anaya and Jon Anaya.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating clothing to Steelbridge Resource Center (2021 2nd Street NW in Albuquerque) – just as our Heather used to do. Given her tremendous love of animals, we encourage you to consider giving your time as a volunteer or perhaps send a memorial donation in Heather’s honor to Animal Humane New Mexico (615 Virginia St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108). Know that we will appreciate flowers all the same especially because Heather loved flowers. Thank you for the outpouring of love that has enveloped us during this heartbreaking time. We will remember Heather with her beautiful smile and her eyes sparkling with light. We will always cherish the love we were privileged to receive from her. We look forward to the day when we hear her signature unbridled laughter when we are reunited. Bird, you are free – spread your wings and fly. Thank you for loving us.
On Monday, October 23, 2017, please feel free to wear purple as a tribute to Heather, it being her favorite color. Thank you all for your presence, prayers and kindness.
Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Heather Jaramillo, please visit our flower store.