Crownpoint Chapter vice president passes
Cecelia J. Nez (Photo courtesy Leonard Perry.)
WINDOW ROCK
The vice president of Crownpoint Chapter has died, the Navajo Times staff has learned.
“I’ve heard a lot of people in the community say ‘It’s shocking,’ and it is,” said Crownpoint Chapter President Rita M. Capitan.
Cecelia J. Nez passed away on the morning of Friday, Sept. 9 in Phoenix, Ariz., according to a press release by the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.
“She was progress-driven and that’s what I appreciated about her. Although she will be greatly missed, her work at the chapter level will serve as her legacy,” President Russell Begaye said in a press release.
Capitan said she remembers Nez as very traditional and an educator, thinking in beauty. She was an advocate for senior citizens in her community and helped establish the Crownpoint Senior Center.
“She would tell young people the importance of education,” said Capitan, adding Nez would walk in her community and spread her knowledge to anyone willing to listen.
Capitan said Nez was an advocate for the elderly and land issues involving her community. She spoke out against the initiative to consolidate the Navajo Nation into just 24 chapters.
“She was against it. She knew it was not good for elderly people who are already used to the way things are now. She spoke up,” said Capitan.
“At a chapter level, the president and vice president help to ensure that progress is being made on projects that are important to the community,” said Vice President Jonathan Nez in a press release.
“This is where Vice President Cecilia J. Nez will be missed. The Office of the President and Vice President send their utmost condolences to her family,” he added.
Nez was elected in 2012 along with Capitan and Secretary/Treasurer Jerrilene K. King.
“It’s disappointing, to know we lost someone we love and work with,” said Capitan. “She was a good spirit, always looking out.”
A funeral is scheduled on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Crownpoint followed by burial at Crownpoint Community Cemetary.
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