CENTER — Joann M. Trujillo-Rael, a wife, daughter, sister, aunt and great aunt succumbed to a terminal illness on October 5th, 2020 at her home in El Dorado, New Mexico at the age of 70. She was celebrated in birth on August 16th, 1950, in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico to parents Vences Arturo and Dolores Mary Martinez-Trujillo.

        Joann graduated from Center High School and then continued to earn her Undergraduate degree from CU Boulder and proceeded to earn her Master’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education and for a period of time worked as an accountant.   She had a long and satisfying career. 

        Joann and Juan (Johnny) Rael from Denver, Colorado were married and celebrated 17 years of marriage.  Soon after they united, they retired and relocated to El Dorado, New Mexico.  In their retirement they traveled throughout the country enjoying all the national parks, visiting family and meeting other people, enjoyed hiking, completing puzzles and word searches.   Joann’s thirst for adventure, knowledge and learning did not stop at retirement.  She dabbled in her artistic abilities by drawing, painting, pottery work, tin work, crochet, and reading books on many genres.  Continuing to expand her capacity to gain more knowledge was a daily routine.  Mostly, she enjoyed time with family and friends sharing her life experiences (good or bad) to propel siblings to desire to be educated, politically savvy, versed in traveling and enjoying life to the fullest. 

Joann was a loving, caring, honest, courageous, inspirational, dependable, confident, pioneer for social justice issues, emotional supporter and a stellar moral compass for our family. 

She is preceded in death by both parents Vences A. and Dolores M. Trujillo, two sister’s Vangie Trujillo-Chacon (survived by Leroy Chacon) and Viki Trujillo. 

Survived by her siblings Isabel Trujillo, Vences & Angie Trujillo, Barbara & Robert Jaramillo, Abelino Trujillo, Anthony & Gina Trujillo, Andrea Trujillo-Garcia, Josie & Mark Barela, Christine Trujillo, David & Paula Trujillo, MaryAnn Trujillo, Marie Trujillo & Patricia Trujillo- Dorsey. 

Numerous nieces and nephews and her stepdaughter Jeannie Rael-Melvin.

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, a private Memorial/Celebration in her honor will be scheduled at a later date.