Karen Michele Chertok

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.

She re-invented herself several times during her too-short lifetime, ultimately realizing her dream of being Director of the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, New Mexico. Karen had an inimitable style that was hers alone. She was a beautiful soul who experienced highs and lows that novels are made of.

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 became her adopted home for the last nine years.

Karen worked in a hotel, painted houses, and cooked vegetarian food at an inn. Though an exceptionally private person, she was a strong influence on those in her orbit. Once she obtained a position at the Millicent Rogers Museum, she realized she was "home." She dove into studying-and mastering-the local culture, exploring the interaction of the multiple traditions that contribute to the richness of Taos.

She studied Millicent. She studied the collection, the museum team, and the world of museums. Ultimately, she decided 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 and studied by night for two years, immersing herself in all things "museum."

When the position of Director opened in December 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. She was officially named Director in February 2025-and was adored by her team.

During the last two years, Karen traveled abroad with her brother and his husband, enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving with her mother, and celebrated 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 inspire all those who knew 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 of Washington State; her grandchildren, Charlie, Rosemary, and Aldus; her sister, Bridget, of Seaside, OR; her brother, Matthew, of Burlington, VT; and her aunt, Jane, of Pacific Palisades, CA.

Donations can be made to Karen's Education Fund at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, New Mexico.