Paula LeDoux Obituary, Death; The community of Nambé, New Mexico, is mourning the passing of Paula Jeanne LeDoux, a devoted educator, mother, and lifelong advocate for children, who died peacefully in her sleep on April 13, 2026, at her home after a courageous battle with Triple Negative Metaplastic Breast Cancer.
She was 64 years old.
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Born on April 4, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts, Paula was adopted by Merrill and Joan Kluhsman and spent her childhood moving across several states due to her father’s pastoral work in the Lutheran Missouri Synod Church. Those early experiences shaped her deep sense of faith, adaptability, and compassion for others.
Paula graduated from Paola High School in Kansas in 1980 and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Pittsburg State University in 1984. Shortly after college, she relocated to New Mexico, where she began building both her career and family life.
While working at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, she met her husband, Mark LeDoux. The couple married in 1986 and later welcomed two sons, Samuel and Nicholas, who became the center of her world.
Paula dedicated much of her professional life to education and public service. After earning her nursing certification from Northern New Mexico Community College in 1999, she became a school nurse, serving students across the Española and Pojoaque Valley school districts for over 25 years. Colleagues and families remember her as a caring, dependable presence who always placed children’s well-being first.
She retired in May 2024, but continued volunteering and tutoring students, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping young people succeed.
Beyond her professional work, Paula was known for her vibrant personality, love of reading, crafts, travel, and strong devotion to family. She was an avid dog lover and enjoyed caring for her pets throughout her life. She was also a passionate sports fan, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, local high school teams, and New Mexico State University athletics, often supporting teams connected to her sons and community.
Even after her cancer diagnosis in 2025, Paula remained active and engaged in life, continuing to attend community events, support local sports, and spend meaningful time with loved ones. Family members say she faced her illness with positivity, humor, and remarkable strength, never allowing it to define her spirit.
She is remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Those who knew her describe her as someone who consistently put others first and brought warmth and encouragement wherever she went.
Paula is survived by her husband, Mark LeDoux; her sons Samuel LeDoux and Nicholas LeDoux; her mother Joan Heimbach; siblings, extended family, and beloved pets. She was preceded in death by several close family members.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, donations in her memory may be made to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.
Paula Jeanne LeDoux will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her compassion, strength, and the lasting impact she made on countless students, families, and loved ones throughout her life.