Karen Michele Chertok

Karen Chertok was, in the words of her Aunt, a multi-stage rocket; and in the words of her mother, "a quiet observer of life and forever searcher of knowledge." Karen was a mother, sister, daughter, niece, author, teacher, student, cookie baker, animal lover (with the exception of spiders), nature lover (particularly Taos Mountain), caregiver, painter, poet, author, seamstress, creative powerhouse, and museum director. Karen re-invented herself several times during her too-short lifetime, ultimately realizing her current dream of being Director of The Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, NM. Karen had an inimitable style that was hers alone. She was a beautiful soul who experienced highs and lows that novels are made of. She was a breast cancer survivor for sixteen years before it returned, uninvited, into her life. Karen was, above all, a devoted Christian who daily studied her bible at her desk in her humble home looking at "her mountain," writing her inspirations and making her lists for each day. She had the most magnificent view in Taos, which was her adopted home for the last nine years. Karen worked in a hotel, she painted houses, she cooked vegetarian food at an inn. Karen was an exceptionally private person, but was a strong influencer for those in her orbit. Once she obtained a position at the Millicent Rogers Museum, she realized that she was "home" in that environment. She dove into studying - or mastering - the local culture, which is to say the interaction of the multiple cultures that contribute to the richness that is Taos. She studied Millicent. She studied the collection, the team at the museum, the world of museums, and ultimately decided that she wanted to pursue a Master's Degree in Museum Studies. At that time, Karen had been promoted to Educational Director at the museum. She worked by day, studied by night for two years. She immersed herself in all things "museum." Once the position of Director opened in December of 2024, following her graduation from The University of Oklahoma in May of that year, Karen was selected by the board to serve as interim Director of The Millicent Rogers Museum. She was named Director in February of 2025, and was adored by her team.

During the last two years, Karen traveled abroad with her brother and his husband, had a beautiful Thanksgiving with her mother, and a surprise birthday party in Las Vegas just two and a half months before she was called back to God suddenly on October 9th. Karen has once again embarked upon a new journey, and will undoubtedly continue to be an inspiration to all those who have known her here, and all the souls she will connect or reconnect with on the other side.Karen is survived by her Mother, Joan Wheeler of Vancouver, WA; her children Alex Chertok, Ben Chertok, and Hannah Kaune in Washington State; her grand children Charlie, Rosemary, and Aldus; her Sister Bridget in Seaside, OR; her brother Matthew in Burlington, VT; and her Aunt Jane in Pacific Palisades, CA.Donations can be made to the Karen Chertok Educational Fund at The Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, NM.