Theresa Aragon

Theresa Anna Aragon, 80, passed away peacefully at her house in Albuquerque, NM on September 22, 2023 surrounded by her loving daughters, aunt, and cousin. Theresa was born on September 3, 1943 in Las Vegas, NM to Esequiel and Maria Aragon. In 1977, Theresa received her doctorate from the University of Washington, earning her bachelor's degree from Seattle University in 1965 and her master's from the University of New Mexico in 1968. Theresa dedicated her professional career to public service, holding the following positions at the University of Washington: Vice Provost for Special Programs and Director of the Division of Urban and Regional Affairs; Assistant Professor, School of Social Work; and Acting Assistant Professor and Lecturer in the Political Science Department. She then went on to serve, at the request of Mayor Charles Royer, at the Department of Human Resources for the City of Seattle where she developed ways to improve service to low-income families, single heads of households, children and youth, the elderly, racial minorities, veterans, former offenders, and refugees. Theresa was then appointed by Washington State Governor Booth Gardner to serve as the Director of the Department of Licensing where she continued to champion for those less fortunate and to provide equal access to services. Theresa moved on to pursue a career in real estate as an agent and a broker, then started her own consulting business where, among other things, she was hired to teach United Airlines employees diversity in the workplace. Theresa then started teaching at the Evergreen State College where she served as Dean and created countless specialized programs for students.

Theresa was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to help others. She raised her three daughters by herself and always ensured they had everything they needed and a foundation for growth and opportunity. Theresa famously defended her doctorate dissertation while 9 months pregnant which is a testament to her dedication in everything she did.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Esequiel and Maria Aragon and daughter Michelle Shepro. She is survived by daughters Maria Domann (John), Natividad Valdez, and grandsons Grant Domann and Turner Domann, and sisters Connie Aragon and Francis Aragon.

Theresa was the kindest, most generous person and would give anything she had to others. Theresa was unforgettable and will be missed by the thousands of lives she touched.