Kristen S. Simo

Kristen Simo passed away unexpectedly February 9th, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and devotion to her students and family.

Kristen dedicated more than three decades to education, faithfully serving students across the Four Corners region. She began her career in 1994 in Cortez, Colorado, teaching middle school special education. In 1997, she moved to Newcomb, New Mexico, where she continued her commitment to students on the reservation. She taught elementary special education before transitioning to English Language Arts at Newcomb Middle and High School. Teaching was more than a profession to Kristen; it was her calling. She was deeply committed to her students and their families and poured her heart into helping them succeed.

Kristen was devoted to her faith and loved spending time with her church community. She cherished visits to Colorado to be with her siblings and their families, especially enjoying a good game of pinochle filled with laughter and friendly competition. She was an avid reader and rarely passed up a sweet treat at a favorite coffee shop.

Kristen was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Elaine Simo and Joseph Glen Simo. She is survived by her sister Malynda Simo (Duane Carter); her sister Alyssa Esser (Fred Esser) and their children, Roman and Alexya; and her brother Joe Simo (Jamie Simo) and their children, Joey and Jordyn.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Newcomb Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church on Monday, February 16th at 10:00 a.m., with fellowship to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Kristen would be honored by donations to the Newcomb Schools to support students in need, Newcomb Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church, or the Northern Arizona University Foundation Simo-Neikirk Carter Family Scholarship.