Viola Florez Tighe

Viola Florez Tighe passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Vi was born on July 30, 1947, to Florence Florez (Hancock) and Jose Merced Florez in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Vi received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, before receiving her Master's Degree in Education from The University of Colorado, and then continued her education by receiving her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1980.  After 15 years serving the Texas A&M University System as Professor, Interim Dean, and Acting Vice President, Vi decided to move home and begin her career at the University of New Mexico.  Her love and dedication to the educational system in NM was exemplified by her time as Dean of the College of Education and time serving the State as the Cabinet Secretary of the Higher Education Department. 

Vi was preceded in death by her father, Jose Merced Florez; and brother, Rev. Marc Florez.  Vi is survived by her husband of 44 years, Girard Tighe; daughter, Kathryn Ramsey (Matthew); son, Joseph Tighe (Veronica); grandchildren, Dominic, Cecilia, Michael, and Nicholas; siblings, Steve Florez (Dolores), Louella Florez Evans (Jesse), Frank Florez (Gloria), Katrina Florez Fitt (Jeff), Bill Florez (Abby), Kenneth Florez (Joanna), Corine Florez, Susan Florez Chavez (Ken), Robert Florez (Charrise), and Carmen Florez Mansi (Tom). 

Vi took special joy in spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and had fond memories of camping with family.  She was deeply passionate about education and her contributions have left a lasting legacy throughout New Mexico. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Church, Blanco, NM.  A rosary will be recited for Vi on Thursday, January 30, 2025, 5:30 p.m., at FRENCH - University.   

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of the Desert Monastery, P.O. Box 556, Blanco, NM 87412, or at www.ourladyofthedesert.org.