Valerie Louise Trujillo, born on February 22, 1943, in Hampshire, Illinois, passed away on March 19, 2026. Valerie was a dedicated educator whose teaching career began on the Laguna Reservation in New Mexico. It is there where she met and soon married the love of her life Joe "Isi Trujillo. Her and Joe moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where she continued her passion for education and eventually transitioned into administrative roles, culminating her career as the Associate Superintendent for the Loveland, Colorado school district.

In 2002, Valerie and Joe, returned to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they reignited their longstanding support for their beloved UNM Lobos. Valerie was not only a committed professional but also a devoted hobbyist who enjoyed raising show dogs. Her love for animals and dedication to her profession showcased her nurturing spirit. She will be remembered for her selflessness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to making positive contributions to her community and the lives of those around her.


While Valerie was an only child, she had a huge family as all 8 of Joe's siblings welcomed her into their families. 
Valerie is survived by her brother-in-law Roldan Trujillo and his wife Sylvia, brother-in-law Eli "Lee" Trujillo and his wife Geneva, sister-in-law Lucy Feldman, and sister-in-law Delourdes Cole plus many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Valerie was preceded in death by, her husband Joe "Isi" Trujillo, her parents: Harold and Helen Rohrsen, her brothers-in-law: Frank, Tony, Thomas and Audon Trujillo.

Since Valerie and Joe believed in the power of education, they established an endowment at the Albuquerque Community Foundation to be used for scholarships to assist with students seeking a degree at any of the NM colleges and universities. To that end, they left the vast majority of their estate to fund this endowment. In lieu of flowers, please donate to this worthy cause if you feel led.

This amazing woman will be honored with a rosary on April 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM and the funeral mass to follow at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, where friends and family are invited to celebrate Valerie's life and legacy.