Ernestine Hagman

Ernestine B. Hagman, a beloved mother, dedicated educator, and pillar of her community, died peacefully on Thursday October 8, 2026 surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to the generations of families she touched across Northern New Mexico. She brought passion to everything she did, and she always helped others to succeed in their own personal growth. Those who knew her will remember a woman whose kindness was matched by her strength, and whose generous spirit touched many lives.

Ernestine was born on August 27, 1947, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The eldest child of Ernesto and Juliana Gallegos. There she developed a deep love for her community and culture. She shared her life with her husband, Melvin Hagman Jr.

A devoted educator, Ernestine taught English for Santa Fe Public Schools at Harrington, Capshaw, and Santa Fe Vo-Tech for over 30 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Education and received many teaching awards, including the prestigious SFCF Rodriguez Award as part of the Partners in Education Foundation's Teachers Who Inspire Awards in 2001. She also was honored to be recognized by the New Mexico Secretary of State for exemplary dedication and service to the people of New Mexico.

She found meaning in serving others and volunteered with many civic organizations including League of United Latin American Citizens, the Golden Apple Foundation, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Much of her work centered on education and on improving the futures of individuals and families in Santa Fe and surrounding communities. The Santa Fe New Mexican named her one of its "10 Who Made a Difference" for her exemplary volunteerism and mentorship.

She was a Jehovah's Witness whose faith was central to her life, and she was active in the ministry and congregation meetings.

In the quiet joys of everyday life, Ernestine found happiness in her husband and her family, with whom she made a lifetime of treasured memories. She loved gardening, bringing beauty and care to the things she nurtured, whether in the soil, in her home, or in the lives of the people around her.

She is survived by her loving husband, her children, and grandchildren.

Ernestine will be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration. Her life was a blessing, her example was inspiring, and her memory will live on in the many people she taught, served, and loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to local student mentorship programs or the Partners in Education Foundation, continuing her lifelong mission of uplifting youth.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 21st at 2 p.m.. at the Kingdom Hall, 3408 Vereda Baja, Santa Fe, NM 87507. A reception will follow at 3 to 5 p.m. in the International Folk Art Museum Atrium, 706 Camino Lejo, on Museum Hill, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505