Cara Gayle Pino

Cara Gayle Pino, 50, was a loved wife, mother, daughter, sister and teacher.  She passed away after a brief illness on November 1st, 2023. 
A mother of two beautiful daughters, Bella and Maddie, Cara would often be the most noticeable voice at their sporting events.  Always supporting their curiosity of life and encouraging them to find their own path, she would end each day talking with and guiding them.
Cara earned a master’s degree in teaching and spent 16 years teaching English at Rio Rancho High School. Most recently she began teaching at La Cueva High to be closer to her daughters. Cara expected honesty and effort from her students and was always there to help guide them – often earning their respect and adoration in return.  She loved the comradery of her peers and enjoyed collaborating or commiserating with them over a beer.
In life she displayed confidence, passion, and was not afraid to tell it like it was.  Her forthright nature could make some uneasy, but earned the respect of most through her authenticity and integrity.  Cara always enjoyed a good laugh and was never afraid to poke fun at herself.  She will be missed, but certainly left her mark on the lives of many.
Cara is survived by her husband Steven, daughters Isabella and Madeline, father Timothy, mother Linda, brother Chad, and sister Katherine. She is preceded in death by her stepmummy, Rebecca. A celebration of Cara’s life will be held at French, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE on November 15th, at 5pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in her name to either the Cruetzfeldt-Jacob Disease Foundation (cjdfoundation.org) to help bring awareness or Special Olympics of New Mexico (SONM.org) which Cara supported for over 20 years.