West Side community leader, Geraldine Ulibarri, dies in crash outside Taos

Geraldine Ulibarri is remembered by family and friends as someone who enjoyed serving others.

"A lot of people in our community are quick to complain about things," daughter Amanda Gurule said. "My mom was one of those special people who actually did something for her community."

Ulibarri died Friday evening from injuries sustained a motorcycle crash outside Taos, Gurule said. She was 57.

Ulibarri, who was born in Gallup and grew up in Albuquerque, was the operations and risk manager at nonprofit First Choice Community Healthcare.

Outside of work, Ulibarri was board vice president of the West Central Community Development Group and Southwest Alliance of Neighbors and a member of the Avalon Neighborhood Association board.

"Geraldine was an inspiration," state Sen. Antonio "Moe" Maestas, D-Albuquerque, said in an email. "She worked tirelessly on many West Side projects to help make the world a better place."

Aside from serving on several boards, Ulibarri helped out with West Side Day, an annual event during which West Side students go to Santa Fe to learn about the Legislature.

Ulibarri also played a role in the development of the Route 66 Visitor Center, the Ken Sanchez Fire Station 7, the Central and Unser Library and the Westgate Community Center, said Cherise Quezada, a policy analyst for City Council District 3.

"Throughout her decades of service, Geraldine inspired countless individuals with her kindness, resilience, and generosity," Quezada said. "Her ability to bring people together, foster community spirit, and address local needs with enthusiasm made her an irreplaceable part of our city's fabric."

When Ulibarri wasn't volunteering her time, she could be seen supporting local bands at concerts, spending time with her grandsons, 9-year-old London and 5-year-old Rome Ramirez, and traveling.

"She loved to explore all around our state," Gurule said. "It's what she was doing this weekend."

Gurule said services have not been planned.

Ulibarri "loved life and lived it in a fearless way," West Central Community Development Group Board President Twyla McComb said.

"She was someone you could count on to be where she was needed most," McComb said.