The Colorado Mountain College family, and the Edwards campus in particular, lost a special person and remarkable student last week when Cuhatlique Cardenas passed away following an automobile accident. She had been awarded the Alpine Bank Latino/Hispanic Scholarship in 2009, and was studying in the sustainable cuisine program.
We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of such a promising young woman. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends and classmates. “Quat” was a graduate of Battle Mountain High School, and in high school knew that she wanted to eventually own and operate her own restaurant. In addition to working 20 hours a week at a restaurant in Avon even back then, she also managed to intern for The Youth Foundation in Eagle County.
“Cuhatlique was one of the kindest, gentlest souls I have ever met,” said Student Support Services coordinator Heather O’Malley, who knew Cuhatlique through SSS. “She will be greatly missed.”
“It was always a pleasure to have Cuhatlique walk into my classroom with her infectious smile and easy laugh,” said Todd Rymer, director of the sustainable cuisine program. “She was one of the hardest-working students in the school, as is evidenced by the beautiful garden she planted and nurtured.”
“Cuhatlique was a joyful young lady, full of life and dreams,” said Yesenia Arreola, youth outreach coordinator, who said it was an honor to be her scholarship mentor. “She worked hard to help provide for her household and to achieve her educational goals. I close my eyes and I can hear her laugh, see her smile. It hurts to know she is no longer here.”
The Edwards campus invites students and employees to gather in her memory on Tuesday, Aug. 26, on the back patio. Todd Rymer and Heather O’Malley will say a few words, and friends will also be invited to share their memories. We will then observe a moment of silence. Counselors will be on hand and available to talk with anyone who needs support.
Memorial for Cuhatlique Cardenas
Tuesday, Aug. 26 at noon
Back patio, near the fire pit
In addition, there will be a viewing of her body on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Minturn. A rosary will follow at 6 p.m. On Thursday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. there will be a mass at the same location. The family is accepting donations to help with Cuhatlique’s funeral. Individuals can deposit money at Academy Bank under the name of Rosa Maria Cardenas (Cuhatlique’s mother).