Alex P. Sena

Alexander (Alex) P. Sena, born June 6, 1942 in Clovis, NM, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2023 in his home in Arvada, CO. He was married to Sharon (Yeager) on December 23, 1986, and is survived by Sharon and their son, Quinn. Alex, Sharon, and Quinn share a home with their cat clowder Jinx, Serenity, Mystique, Sasquatch, Nebula, and Artemis. 

Alex’s Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00pm on February 3, 2023 at Capitol Heights Church, 1100 Fillmore St., Denver, CO 80206. Guests are invited to wear bright colors in honor of Alex’s memory and share in a lunch of New Mexican fare following the service.  

Alex grew up in Clovis, NM to parents Ernest Gallegos Sena and Celestina “Sally” Pacheco Sena and was the third of eleven children. Both his parents and two siblings precede him in death, and he is survived by several siblings, most notably his brother Sam Sena (Clovis, NM) and Sam’s wife Michelle, their three children, and two grandchildren whom Alex loved dearly and held close in his heart. He was loved and will forever be remembered by his extensive family, be them blood kin and by marriage, multiple friends and acquaintances, and thousands of students who will miss him dearly. 

Self-described as having an “indomitable spirit,” Alex was magnanimous and memorable, “feared nothing and no one,” and projected a warm and inviting energy that made people feel safe, seen, and heard. For him, every day was a new day, filled with promise and opportunities. He loved talking to people, was always welcoming and accepting, and never missed an opportunity to regale a willing listener with one, or several, of his favorite go-to stories, often providing a mini vita of his current activities and vast accomplishments as an artist and educator. 

Alex was immensely proud of his New Mexican heritage and simple beginnings and lived a full life as a gifted educator, translator, and artist. He was trilingual, fluent in Spanish, French, and English, comfortably speaking, reading, writing, and translating in multiple dialects in those languages. He earned a B.A. in Spanish and French, from Eastern New Mexico University, an M.A. in French from Colorado State University, and an M.A. in Education Administration from University of Colorado.  He was Ph.D. ABD, in Spanish from University of New Mexico. Alex taught Spanish, French, and Art at the secondary (24 years) and college (23 years) level all over the southwest, for multiple school districts, to include New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Antelope Valley High in L.A. and Colorado. He studied in Mexico, Spain and France and brought real life experiences to students in his classrooms. A huge source of pride was in his first teaching position with New Mexico Military Institute where he started the first fine arts department in the school’s 100-year history. 

Alex lived his life fully, intersecting with great joy and celebration across the many lives he touched. He lived without regrets, never gave up, and worked daily to learn from his past experiences, including accomplishments, celebrations, and relationships. He was married twice and had four children before finding Sharon, who he describes as “the love of his life.” Though his time with those children was short, and regarded them fondly, keeping his door open to engagement should they desire it. He cherished every moment of reconnection, especially with his eldest daughter, and shared his love without hesitation.

He said of Sharon: “She is endowed with brilliance, not only does she have beauty beyond compare, but also has a beautiful soul. She is the love of my life. Like Salvador Dali’s, Galerina, she has saved my soul.”

He said of Quinn: “I feel blessed to have been able to work [on art] with my son, Quinn, who as a child displayed so much giftedness. He is my hero. He taught me how to become a father.”

Devotion by Sharon and Quinn: “Our Superman flew to the heavens and joined the angels. We are eternally grateful for our time with him and feel blessed to have had him share his grace with us on this wonderful planet. Larger than life, bright as the sun, teacher extraordinaire, outstanding artist, science enthusiast, cat Daddy, wonderful Father, and devoted husband. His eternal light shines brightly and continues to warm our hearts and souls. Love you, Alex. Holding you close, always.”

Please consider a donation to support the family. No donation is too small and your support would be greatly appreciated.

Click here to link to the Sena Family memorial gofundme page.
( https://gofund.me/bf0e3006 )

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