Paulina Amber McCabe, a dedicated teacher and beloved figure in her community, passed away on February 20, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy woven into the hearts and minds of those she so lovingly touched. Born on February 8, 1990, in Taos to her loving parents, Betty A. Chee and Michael W. McCabe, Amber's spirit was intrinsically tied to the land she cherished. Growing up at the Taos Pueblo and in Tonalea, Arizona, she flourished under the embrace of her heritage of the Diné (Zuni Edge Water Clan), Tewa Hopi, and Taos Pueblo, which influenced her adventurous nature, creativity, and passion for educating young minds.

Amber's educational journey commenced as she graduated from Taos High School in 2008, forging a path through the University of New Mexico, where she achieved a remarkable 3.8 GPA and earned her Bachelor's degree in Science and Education. Her life epitomized scholarship and empathy, believing wholeheartedly in the potential of every child she taught. From 2007 to 2008, she devoted her time as a tutor at the Rocky Mountain Youth Center, nurturing the academic growth of young people. Her commitment to early childhood education took shape during her volunteer work at the Taos Pueblo Head Start between 2012 and 2013, where she showcased her compassionate spirit and steadfast commitment to community involvement.

In 2016, Amber took on the role of a middle school teacher at Taos Integrated School of the Arts. For six years, she communicated knowledge and understanding, guiding her students not only in their studies but also instilling in them the importance of resilience, creativity, and kindness. Her influence as an educator extended far beyond the classroom, resonating within the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be nurtured by her guidance.

Beyond her professional contributions, Amber reveled in the beauty of life, exploring majestic mountains and rivers that called to her adventurous spirit. She cherished moments of innocence and joy—playing in ditches, crafting flower bouquets, and reliving the simplicity of childhood alongside the juniper and red canyons near Wild Cat Peak. Her hobbies included backpacking, camping, and fishing, activities that connected her to nature, and she found solace and joy in picking flowers and plums throughout the changing seasons.

A woman of exuberance and vibrancy, Amber embraced her diverse heritage, cultivating a life steeped in service, creativity, and immense heart. Her journeys spoke of exploration—traveling not only through her homeland but also crossing borders to discover the world's grand monuments and stunning natural formations. Each adventure added another layer to her rich tapestry of experiences.

Amber is survived by her mother, Betty A. Chee; her husband, Matthew Van Buren; her mother and father-in-law, Lois and Greg Smith; her sisters, Anita McCabe, Krystle McCabe, and Allison McCabe; her nephew, Zane Farkash; her nieces, Keira Robinson and Amara McCabe; and her grandmother, Agnes Montoya. She was preceded in death by her beloved father Michael W. McCabe, brothers, Jefferson Chee and Mike McCabe, with whom she is now reunited.

Her absence will not only be felt by her family but also by the many lives she transformed through her unwavering dedication to teaching and her boundless love for nature and the community.

Her final farewell will take place on March 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM, in a funeral service held at Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Taos. As we gather to celebrate the remarkable life of Paulina Amber McCabe, we will honor her legacy of compassion, adventure, and belief in the potential of others, forever remembering the indelible mark she made in this world.

The family of Paulina Amber McCabe has granted Rivera Family Funeral Home the honor of serving them.