DEATHS

Join Mountain Home Health Care & Hospice in remembering

Cassandra ‘Sandi’ Marie Hill, 64, of Taos

Cynthia Ann Germscheid, 83, of Angel Fire

Janet Susan DeRosier Smith, 81, of Taos

Randall Blaine Staton, 55, of Taos

Marcos A. Valencia, 36, of Taos

Harold Cisneros, 64

On September 2, 2022Cassandra “Sandi” Marie Hill, born on September 16, 1958, who suffered from terminal cancer and a host of other painful physical ailments, left this world just shy of her 64th birthday. Under hospice supervision the past few months, she opted for legal and medically assisted aid in dying––a bold, courageous step into the unknown. Sandi knew this was the right choice for her and followed her heart. She did it her way. It was a beautiful transition, quiet and peaceful. Those who knew Sandi will always cherish her as an independent spirit who embraced adventure. Sandi preferred a simple life, lived in the here and now – an idealism that often meant choosing a more difficult road, absent the luxuries so many of us take for granted. Sandi’s generosity of spirit touched so many lives. Sandi and her family moved to Albuquerque shortly after she turned ten. She fell in love with New Mexico, the land, and the peoples. She was an artistic soul and a free spirit! Sandi had a great childhood while in Albuquerque. As a teenager she was somewhat rebellious, always free, and wild -– beautiful traits that would carry her throughout her life. She was an artistic soul and a free spirit! Sandi moved to Taos in 1989, where she experienced many adventures these past thirty-three years. She enjoyed participating in Rainbow Family gatherings, the yearly local Picuris Pueblo/ Hippies baseball game, the Pilar Open Art Studio tour, and the Fourth of July Parade in Arroyo Seco (which was a favorite). Sandi, an excellent cook and baker, was also passionate about gardening, able to make just about any plant bloom and thrive. As a child she took ballet lessons, and later, in Taos, enjoyed belly-dancing. Cassandra Marie (“Sandi”) Hill was born in Petit Jean-Sidi Kacem, Morocco on September 16, 1958. Sandi is survived by Anita Albright (sister, Salt Lake City), Katharine E. Hill (sister, Albuquerque) and Anya Albright (niece, Idaho Falls). She is predeceased by Willis Eugene Hill (father), Yukie Hill (mother), and David E. Hill (brother). Sandi’s close friends and family would like to thank Hospice, the Chaplain, and Rivera Family Funeral Home for the services they provided to Sandi during those final days. We could not have done it without you. Dying with Dignity, what a beautiful thing! Much love to all who participated in this final adventure with Sandi. As per Sandi’s request there will be no memorial; she just asks that you plant some flowers or a tree in her honor. As Sandi would say, “Make it A Great Day!”