Kamie Rae Ulibarri

Kamie Rae Ulibarrí passed away on November 27, 2024, after a courageous thirteen-year battle with cancer. She was born on August 22, 1989, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, to Richard and Marla Ulibarrí. She is survived by her parents, and siblings: Theresa Maez and husband, Jesus Maez; Rikki-Lee Chavez and husband Zach Chavez; and Cory Ulibarrí and wife Myra Chavez. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Frankie, Martin, Penelope and Stevie Chavez; Charley and Henry Ulibarrí; and Cruz Maez; and her three godchildren – whom she cherished and loved above all else. She is survived by her grandmother, Mabel Ulibarrí, aunties and uncles: Nick and Sandra Abeyta, Terry and Debbie Abeyta, Herna Ulibarrí, Emily and Mario Chavez, Arta Rae Ulibarrí, Mariana and Len Horan and many cousins and extended family members. Kamie touched the lives of so many with her tenacious spirit and vitality for life; she never let her medical issues limit her in seizing each and every day. 

She graduated from Escalante High School as valedictorian of her class and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in architecture on a full honor’s scholarship at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. After college, she moved back to her beloved mountains in Los Ojos, New Mexico where she welcomed everyone to cafecito at her little casita, and cared for her puppy, Luna. 

Kamie enjoyed many hobbies including photography of clouds and sunsets, fishing, camping, dancing, drawing and painting. She taught art at the local elementary schools, and loved helping the children grow in confidence as little artists.  Kamie also did freelance design to support the many causes of her community. She was always willing to assist others with her self-taught competencies which included web design, marketing, and complex spreadsheets.

As an empathetic person, Kamie often took on the burdens of others, and even when hers far outweighed their challenges, she never wanted to miss being that listening ear, and mighty shoulder. Kamie was strong in her Catholic faith and was blessed to have attended Mass and have the anointing of the sick while she was hospitalized. 

Her family would like to recognize and acknowledge the outpouring of prayers and support they have received during her recent hospitalization and passing. Thank you for lifting her, and us, up during this difficult time. We will miss her dearly but know that truly honoring her would be done by living by her example: loving one another as she loved us.

Rosary and Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 6th at 10:00 am at the San José Church in Los Ojos, NM. A private burial will take place at a later date at the San José Catholic Cemetery. The pallbearers will be her warriors: Monica Abeyta, Jenna Rhoads, Mia Valdez, Alicia Valdez, Camille Chacon, Monica Phillips-Knowlton, Jenny Johnston, Mandy Salazar, and Krystal Salazar. Honorary pallbearers are Tessa Polaco, Emma Difani, Cynthia Contreras, GasineePitakkan, Anh-Tu Nguyen and Caitlin Velazquez-Fagley.

The family of Kamie Rae Ulibarri has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley 505-747-7477.