EPCC faculty and staff are mourning the loss of Mary Alanis.
Alanis, former math instructor at the Rio Grande campus, collapsed while instructing her 4 p.m. math class on Oct. 16.
According to J.R. Grijalva, Chief of Police for El Paso Community College, many attempts were made to revive Alanis. She was then rushed to Providence Hospital where more attempts were made to revive her.
Shortly after, she was pronounced dead.
“I was shocked,” said Marta Giner, a math instructor at RG who was in her department. “She was very helpful to the staff.”
Dr. Paula Mitchell, dean of health occupation, math and science/campus dean, said, “Mary was a very well respected faculty member who was respected by her students and peers.”
“She is going to be greatly missed,” said Mitchell. She also said that counseling was provided for Alanis’ students on Oct. 17 and 18 by herself and the counseling department.
Irene Gomez-Leon, a friend of Alanis, sang beside Alanis as part of the El Paso Sungold Chorus Sweet Adelines. “We were like a little family.”
“Mary was intelligent, motivating and caring,” said Gomez-Leon. “She thought highly of her students, they were her priority.”
Gomez-Leon said the Sweet Adelines formed a horseshoe around Alanis’ coffin and sand her favorite song, “Irish Blessing.”
“[Alanis’] mother told me that she had no clue the she was so loved,” said Gomez-Leon. “Her brother said that her goal was to help students and watch them grow.”
According to Gomez-Leon, Alanis had surgery a year ago for a brain tumor that affected her heart.
Alanis was tenured at EPCC for seven years. She was survived by her parents Roy and Carol Alanis. Her mother wants to do something at EPCC to remember her, according to Gomez-Leon.
“I only received praises from people about her,” said Mitchell.
Grijalva said, “I would like to extend my personal condolences to the family and co-workers of Mary Alanis and indicate to our students, staff and faculty that our department will be doing everything possible to assist those involved.”
A candlelight vigil for Alanis was set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Rio Grande campus.
