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Joan Tafoya Brock, 75, a resident of Espanola, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 following a sudden illness. Although her spirit was strong, her body grew weak and she passed peacefully with all of her loving children and grandchildren at her side. She was born in Tucumcari, NM to the late Nicanor and Lola Mae Tafoya. She graduated in 1952 from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in education. She was married to Harold Brock until his passing in 2004. While Harold was in the Army, Joan taught high school English in Fort Riley, Kansas. In 1969 she began her involvement with the 4-H program in Rio Arriba County. She was co-leader of the Jo-Gi-Ro 4-H Club, becoming Organizational Leader in 1974 upon the retirement of her dear friend Mrs. Elberta Honstein. Mrs. Brock stressed the importance of the county, district and state competitions. She always trained her club members to think and speak on their feet in front of audiences. Every 4-H member in Mrs. Brock's club commented year after year on how much their participation in the various 4-H contests helped them gain confidence in other areas of their lives. Mrs. Brock assumed numerous roles in the 4-H program including 12 years as Rio Arriba County Fairboard President, 4-H Foundation trustee, fair advisory board, and fair superintendent. She was also a founding member of the New Mexico 4-H Foundation serving for five years. During her tenure as Fairboard President she was instrumental in establishing the Rio Arriba County Fair facility in Arroyo Seco, resulting in the completion of the "green exhibit building", horse arena and rodeo grounds. Mrs. Brock's club impacted the lives of more than 750 young people ranging in age from nine years through high school graduation. The kids loved her. One of the highlights of her 4-H career was when she was presented State 4-H Leader of the year at the Western Regional Leader Forum in Spokane, Washington. After more than 30 years with the 4-H Program she retired in 2002. In 2003 she was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Joan was also active in the Espanola Garden Club, she was a "pink lady" with the Espanola Hospital Auxiliary and she was named Espanola Chamber of Commerce "Woman of the Year". Joanie will always be remembered as a fun loving, outgoing and genuine person. Her infant son, Steven Lewis Brock, her parents, and brother Donald, preceded her in death. She is survived by daughter, Janis Brock of Rio Rancho; daughter, Sharon Redman and husband David; son, Bryan Brock and wife Anna of Espanola; grandchildren, Allison, Ashley, Adam, Stephanie, Melissa, Kevin, and Bryan Rey; three great-grandchildren and many wonderful friends.
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