It comes with great sadness that the Millicent Rogers Museum announces the passing of its beloved Executive Director, Karen Chertok, who passed away on October 9, 2025.

Karen was a breast cancer survivor for sixteen years before the illness returned unexpectedly, taking her from us far too soon. The suddenness and speed of her passing came as a profound shock to everyone on our team. There was little warning and no time to prepare. Yet, in true Karen fashion, she continued to think of her staff and the museum’s unfinished work until the very end. Her unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and compassion for others defined her life and leadership. She was an extraordinary colleague, mentor, and friend — and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Karen began her journey at the Millicent Rogers Museum in 2019 as a volunteer and quickly became Director of Education. She found immense joy in nurturing young minds through art, crafts, books, snacks, and exploration — particularly during her beloved Museum Mondays program each summer.

During her memorial service, staff and volunteers fondly reminisced about Karen walking through the museum’s galleries, surrounded by a flock of toddlers eagerly searching for the little surprises she had hidden throughout the exhibits. Her energy, imagination, and joy in teaching made the museum a place of discovery and wonder for all children and families alike.

While serving as Education Director, Karen pursued her Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma, a reflection of her lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. Shortly after earning her degree, the position of Executive Director became available, and Karen stepped in as Interim Director while official processes were followed. To the staff and board, it was clear there was no better person for the role. Karen had already proven herself to be a natural leader. Karen was deeply knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to the museum’s mission and staff.

“There was no one better suited for the job, it had to be Karen,” said JonnaLynn Mandelbaum, President of the Board of Directors. “Karen was more than our Executive Director — she quickly became my friend. I was fortunate to work with Karen.”

Karen was officially named Executive Director in February 2025, and under her leadership, the museum quickly began to thrive. She cared deeply for her team, recognizing each person’s strengths and encouraging them to develop their talents. She listened, inspired, and empowered those around her, creating an environment rooted in trust and collaboration. Her ability to balance strong conviction with openness to new ideas was her superpower — one that left an indelible mark on everyone who worked with her.

We lost a great leader, a dear friend, an exceptional light, and a vibrant example of faith and will. To say Karen’s time as Executive Director of the museum was too short would not do justice to the depth of this loss. The staff, board, volunteers, and every visitor who entered the museum during Karen’s brief tenure could see the bright future she was helping to paint.

Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In honor of her love for education and her passion for sharing the museum with the public, the Millicent Rogers Museum has established the Karen Chertok Education Fund. This fund will continue her mission of expanding young minds while connecting them to the deep culture and history of our region. Though her time with us was short, Karen’s legacy will remain strong — a guiding light for the museum and the community she cherished.

Donate to the Karen Chertok Education Fund >

Karen's Obituary

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.