In Memoriam — Karina Hermosillo

To: UCSC Community

From: Mary Knudtson, Executive Director, UCSC Student Health Services

It is with profound sadness that I write to inform you of the death of a treasured member of our Student Health Services staff, Karina Hermosillo. Karina, who had worked as a Medical Assistant in our center since November 2007, died unexpectedly on March 3. She was 27.

Karina was a dedicated mother, a loving daughter, a devoted sister, and a joyful, fun-loving friend and colleague. We all miss her so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with her young son, Jesus; her mother, Maria Hermosillo (also a staff member at UCSC); and her other family members during this time of loss. The family's obituary was published in the Register Pajaronian and can be found at this link.

Karina Hermosillo took great pride in her professional accomplishments as a certified Medical Assistant and approached her clinical work seriously. Not only a dependable and committed colleague, Karina also brought a special sense of lightness, joy, and cheer to those lucky enough to interact with her. She captured our hearts and did her very best to bring smiles and happiness to anyone with whom she came into contact. 

Karina was dedicated to our student patients. She took extra delight when she was able to educate students and colleagues about the importance of infection control in a health-care setting. This video link shows Karina modeling effective hand washing techniques; she was very proud to be part of this project.
Student Health Services staff are creating a special memory book for her family made up of poems, collages, pictures and thoughts of Karina. Her adoration of “ALL THINGS PINK,” for example, is a special memory shared by Karina's Health Center friends and colleagues. If any of you in the campus community would like to add to this memory book, we invite you to drop off your creation at our front reception desk by Friday, March 22.

Health Services staff members have also set up a special memorial to Karina in our conference room, where staff have written their thoughts or remembrances on little pink butterflies that will also be given to her family. In closing, here are some memories from the wings of the butterflies:

“Karina was like a breath of fresh air for me.”

“Your beautiful face and smile and PINK is so missed!  You were such a joy to be around and an inspiration to me!  You were such a good person. “

 “Your bright spirit, Your 'bling,' and Your 'Hello Kitty' will be so missed.  I can’t explain the hole that is left here.  You were loved.  You will be missed.  I will miss you.”

“You told me your son is smart, strong, curious, and a bright light in your life.”

“I will never forget all the laughter and fun times we had.  I miss you so much, I love you.”

“I will hold close to my heart your inner and outer beauty, your strength of character, your beautiful smile, and your sense of humor. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways."