Dora H. Gomez

Dora H. Gomez joined her loving husband, George E. Gomez, and her parents, Feliciano and Helen R. Herrera, in heaven on Thursday, January 16, 2025. She was born in Las Vegas, NM, on August 18, 1950, and was raised on her family's farm in Cleveland, NM.

Dora is survived by her son, Erik Jayson Gomez of Albuquerque, whom she cherished as her pride and joy; her sisters, Norma Herrera (Bert Romero) of Mora, NM, Debbie Alexander (Joe) of Cleveland, NM and Dottie Herrera (Brian Gutierrez) of Albuquerque; nieces, Felicia Alexander of Houston, TX, Franceska Alexander (Jon Yales) of Albuquerque, NM and Gabrielle Gutierrez (Chris Flores) of Culver City, CA; nephew, Allen Gutierrez of Albuquerque, along with extended family and numerous friends.

Dora graduated from Mora High School in 1968 and earned her degree from the University of New Mexico in 1973. She was a proud Lobo fan from the moment she set foot on campus and remained dedicated to UNM athletics throughout her life.

In 1974, Dora met George Gomez, and they married on August 2, 1975, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and friendly rivalry-Dora, a devoted UNM Lobo, and George, a proud NMSU Aggie. Their home was the setting for perennial debates over which school had the better teams each year. On June 12, 1980, they welcomed their son, Erik Jayson Gomez, who later followed in his mother's footsteps as a UNM alumnus-tilting the household rivalry in favor of the Lobos, much to George's dismay. When Erik was five, Dora and George began taking him to Lobo basketball games, sparking a cherished family tradition. They became season ticket holders and traveled frequently to watch the Lobos play, creating a lifetime of memories together.

Dora began her teaching career in 1973 with Albuquerque Public Schools, first at Garfield Junior High, then at Highland High School, and later at Rio Grande High School. Over 34 years, she dedicated herself to educating students in business courses, instilling in them discipline, commitment, and responsibility. Her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and tenacity defined her successful career. Even after retiring in 2007, she often reminisced about her students and colleagues, enjoying occasional lunches with them.

Dora was deeply moved by the gratitude of former students. In 2023, Luz Varela, a former student from Rio Grande High School, took her to lunch-27 years after graduation-to thank her for her impact, presenting her with a dozen red roses. Another student from Highland High School reached out years later from Dallas, Texas, to express appreciation for her guidance. While at Rio Grande, Dora co-founded the Tax Help Program, which taught students to prepare taxes for families in need. She also established a scholarship in memory of her student, Linda Giron, who tragically passed away in a car accident.

Dora was a devoted member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary teachers' sorority, for over 20 years, serving as an officer for eight of those years. She actively participated in numerous community service projects.

In retirement, Dora embraced life fully. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and spending time with family, former colleagues, and friends. She found joy in decorating her home, listening to music across genres, including classic country, gospel, New Mexico Spanish music, and the hits of the '60s and '70s. She especially loved dancing to New Mexico Spanish music.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary to follow at 9:30 a.m., and the Mass to begin at 10:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper Ave NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the UNM Lobo Club in honor of Dora's dedication to Lobo Athletics.