Charissa Roberta Paskowski

On July 20, 2026, our cherished wife, daughter, aunt, dear friend, and devoted dog mom, Charissa V. Paskowski, passed away peacefully in Las Cruces, NM, at the age of 53.

Charissa was born in El Paso, TX, on October 23, 1972, to Margaret Brewer and Robert Valdes. She was best known throughout her community as a passionate champion for animal welfare and every four-legged friend who crossed her path was loved, spoiled, and cherished. Professionally, she led with heart and exemplified true service, bringing her organizational skills, business savvy, and warm, friendly nature to every workplace — from co-managing the Stampede Nightclub in El Paso, TX, to her work with American Classifieds and DogCruces Magazine. She also generously volunteered for the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce as a Conquistador and was a founding member of the steering committee for the Junior Leadership Program. In 2014, her dedication to our community was honored with the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce's Conquistador of the Year Award.

In 2006, Charissa met one of the great loves of her life, her husband, Shawn Pendergrass. Not long after, the two took in a sweet black-and-white pit bull mix named Nacho, and it was clear from the start that Nacho was Charissa's true soulmate dog. They were happiest together. Nacho became somewhat of a local celebrity and more than a few people said that if reincarnation were real, they'd want to come back as a dog belonging to Charissa. After Nacho's passing, Charissa and Shawn once again opened their hearts and home, this time to their foster-fail, Riley.

Charissa will be remembered for her warmth, her sense of humor, and her unwavering desire to care for everyone around her — two-legged and four-legged alike.

Charissa was preceded in death by her father, Robert Valdes; her grandfather, Alfonso Dominguez; and her sweet boy, Nacho. She is survived by her husband, Shawn Pendergrass; her mother, Margaret Brewer; her nephew, Stephen Valdes; her foster-fail girl, Riley; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and colleagues who all love her and miss her amazing smile and infectious laugh. Charissa’s family and friends are all incredibly grateful for the support, love, and friendship she received from her best friend, Michelle Sullivan, who became one of her primary caregivers in her final weeks.

A Celebration of Life is planned for August 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, Mesilla, NM. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Charissa’s desire to make a difference for pets in our community, guests are encouraged to bring pet food donations to be donated to ACTion Programs for Animals.