Klarissa MariaElena Medina

Klarissa MariaElena Medina of Peñasco NM, age 30 unexpectedly passed away June 5, 2025. Klarissa Medina was born on October 28, 1994, to SaraLee Rodarte and Joe Medina. Klarissa is preceded in death by Nelson Rodarte Sr, Eva Griego, Aunt Maggie and Uncle Nelson Rodarte Jr.

Klarissa is survived by her daughter Aislynn Marie Smith, her Mother SaraLee (Sara) Rodarte, Father Joe (JoJo) Medina (Ana). Mama Joann Salazar (Joe Muniz) Grandfather Jose Medina (Helen Lujan). Brother Antonio Rodarte (Leticia), Sister Jessica Medina (Dominic), Step siblings Kayana and Fernando Rodarte. Aunt Angelica Rodarte, Auntie Barb Moore, Nieces Estrella, Annalisa, Ariella and Emmie. Cousins Mackayla, Melanie, Briona, Monique, Leandrea, Kathleen, Howie and Mike.

Klarissa became a mother to a beautiful little girl, Aislynn Marie Smith, who she loved with all her heart. She was working towards rebuilding and regaining trust from her family and working to build a life that she and her daughter both deserved. After the birth of Aislynn, her dad JoJo quickly adapted to being Papo and helped with raising Aislynn. The last several years Klarissa and JoJo were working on building a strong father/ daughter bond.

Klarissa was small in stature but had a spitfire attitude. She had a love for tattoos and shoes, which she proudly displayed. She had recently gotten a tattoo of an angel and her mother’s name as a dedication to the love for her mother Sara.

Klarissa worked at Family Dollar in Peñasco the past few years. Klarissa donated to different organizations in the Peñasco area often out of her own pocket. She gained friendships with many far and near, she continued to communicate with various friends that brought her happiness. She had a special bond with her sister JJ, they communicated on a daily basis and confided in one another. She had a way of making people laugh and made them feel special. Klarissa’s absence will be felt for eternity and her memories will remain forever in our hearts.

Services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the San Antonio Padua Church in Peñasco, NM Rosary will start at 1:30 PM and Funeral Mass will follow. There will be a celebration of life following services at the Peñasco Community Center.