Catherine Sabra Smith (nee Munson) passed away on June 3, 2024, in Los Lunas, New Mexico, at the age of 93. She was born on December 12, 1930, in Deming, New Mexico. 

 Catherine was a dedicated educator who left a lasting impact on the field of education. She started her career as a teacher in Silver City, then later Cobre High School where she taught English and served as the Journalism sponsor for both the yearbook and newspaper. She was instrumental in developing a teacher's aide program for high school students aspiring to become teachers. She later became the Principal of Hurley Elementary School and was actively involved in the National Education Association of New Mexico (NEA-NM). Catherine's advocacy for education extended to her roles on the New Mexico Board of Education and Public Education Committee. After retiring from state service on, she served on the Governing Council for the School of Dreams Academy in Los Lunas. 

 In addition to her commitment to educational excellence, she mentored many young people through the Order of the Rainbow for Girls and as a 4-H leader. 

 Catherine's commitment to education was evident throughout her life, from her homeschooling by her mother to earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education, a Master's in Secondary Education, an Ed Specialist's in Counseling, and an MBA, all from Western New Mexico University in Silver City. 

 In her personal life, Catherine is survived by her sister Sabra Lee Humphrey, her daughter Edith Smith, grandsons Bryan Roberts, Le Len Roberts, James Smith, great-granddaughters Megan Roberts and Alana Lee, and several nieces and nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her husband LeRoy, daughter Emily Roberts, sister JoAnn Young, and parents James and DoraJo Munson. 

 Catherine was baptized in the First Christian Church in Deming, NM, and was a member of the Georgetown Eastern Star Chapter with her husband LeRoy, becoming members in 1952.

Memorial services for Catherine are scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Baca's Funeral Chapels in Silver City.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Georgetown Chapter #4 OES Scholarship fund.  

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