Elizabeth Alarid-West

Elizabeth Alarid-West, affectionately known as Liz, tragically passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the young age of 25 years old. Her presence in this world has left an undeniable and profound imprint on all who knew her. Liz could be identified among the crowd by her loud infectious laugh, or her witty humor, or spotted rocking her unique fashionista style. 

She was a fierce and strong Single mother, a musically self proclaimed “Chicana Gitana Decibel Goddess” (and for those who don't know, a decibel is a measurement of sound-and she cleverly names herself this in her artist bio) she was a truth seeker, A land steward, and multi-talented Bad ass. She was preceded in death by her mother Celena, her maternal grandmother Renee and great grandparents Michael and Stella Alarid, Richard and Marian Smith. and Howard and Peg West . 

Lizy is survived by her son Kaladin, sister Luzero, brother Benjamin and parents Patrick and Marisol. Also paternal Grandparents Kit and Paula, Bernardo and Gloria. Liz is also survived by many close aunts, uncles and cousins in the Alarid and Velasquez/West families. Alarid Family members:Tias/Tios Estella, Luciana, Elizabeth, Stephen, & Michael, Roberto, Primas/Primos Renee, Vanessa , Roberto, Isabella, Angelica, Gabriela, Jason, Isiah, Valdejon Ezriel and many other family members that love herVelasquez/West Family: Tios/Tias; Cezar, Marco, Jack, Cody, Selia, Primos/Primas; Santiago, Gina, Jorge, Juaquin, Vigo Sol, Gabriel, Maddison, Antonio, De Andre, De Anthony, Jacob, Jaylin, Philippe, Patrick, Celine, Jenny, Christian and many more loving family members.

 Lizy was deeply involved in numerous creative pursuits that showcased her artistic flair and love for life.Among her accomplishments, Lizy was known as a passionate flamenco dancer. She shared her love by teaching at the flamenco kids camp most summers while she was getting her dance degree at UNM. She choreographed her own flamenco pieces mixing both jazz music with flamenco dance. An accomplished musician, Lizy played guitar along with the cajon, congas, trumpet, saxophone, piano, castanets, bass guitar as well as synthesizing her own beats. She excelled as a songwriter, and composed/produced her own original album and songs which she released on Spotify and SoundCloud. Nothing short of a Bad-ass, a one woman band. Lizy was a part of the local music scene in Albuquerque performing at open-mic events.

At 15 years old, Lizy was a Food Justice Intern at the Yes! Summer program at the SouthWest Organizing Project. Learning about environmental justice, community power and sustainability. Here she worked at the community garden and got her hands dirty and remembered how to work the land and give back to her community.She learned to skate, and played roller derby with her sister for the Marionettes team. She was given the name Bambi Slambi because she resembled Bambi with long legs trying to skate for the first time, and she was a hell of a Jammer and slammed into the wall of blockers unafraid. Her love for creativity extended to the visual arts, with spray painting emerging as one of her unique expressions. She joined a group of graffiti artists known as the “Ya tu Sabes Crew” that traveled to California and Texas to do installations. Lizy had a special taste for Vietnamese cuisine, her favorite order being the combo Pho with an avocado shake. 

Beyond her talents, Lizy was a dedicated mother to her four-year-old son who she influenced and loved with all her heart. She sang and wrote songs to him as a baby. Kaladin was her Native sage, her medicine, a song she named after him. Her spirit shone brightest when she was surrounded by Kaladin, family and friends. Her cheerful demeanor drew people in, and her ability to uplift those around her is a testament to her warm character. She approached life with a deep sense of spirituality, knowing our souls were eternal and would continue the journey after this life. Lizy achieved her educational goals, graduating with a four-year degree in Flamenco and a Major in Spanish. She persisted through school for her son, and wanted to lead by example. Friends and family will remember her for her bright smile, her loving nature, and the music she created, All being parts of the spirited legacy she leaves behind. Along with all of her gifts and beauty, Lizy faced mental health challenges from generational and childhood trauma and she was still able to shine a vibrant light through it all. Her bravery to show up every day is a testament to her amazing resilience and true beauty in the face of adversity. 

Though her time with us was far too short, Lizy’s radiant spirit will continue to inspire and bring joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed but forever celebrated in the hearts of those who loved her.. May her soul rest and thrive in eternal peace and unconditional love now and forever.