Cathryne Marie Fornsel

Cathryne Marie Fornsel (also known throughout her life as Cathy Charlson and Cathy Jordan) September 16, 1955 – December 14, 2025

Cathryne Marie Fornsel, beloved wife, sister, aunt, teacher, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She was born on September 16, 1955, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Alexander Leigh Jordan and Mary Eugenia Jordan.

Cathy grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from West Mesa High School, Class of 1973. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of New Mexico and later a master’s degree in education leadership from New Mexico Highlands University, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to teaching and learning.

For 37 years, Cathy served the community at Cibola High School, where she taught Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom—she became the 9th Grade Dean and proudly coached Girls Softball, shaping countless young lives with her patience, humor, and unwavering belief in her students.

On December 16, 2021, Cathy married Stephen James Fornsel in a joyful ceremony at Mariposa Basin Park in Albuquerque. Their years together were filled with companionship, laughter, and deep love.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gary Leigh Jordan. She is survived by her devoted husband Stephen, her brother Richard Alexander Jordan, her nephew Richard Jeffrey Jordan, her niece Laura Jennee Dalasta, and her cherished dogs, Inbee and Tippy, who brought her endless joy.

A woman of many passions, Cathy loved softball, golf, gardening, landscaping, and caring for animals of all kinds. She was an avid local community supporter, working to make her home and neighbors a better place to live. She was a proud Job’s Daughter Honor Queen and carried those values of service and kindness throughout her life. Cathy generously supported numerous animal charities, including the Watermelon Ranch Rescue Center and Paws 4 Pets, often giving her time, resources, and heart to animals in need.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Watermelon Ranch Rescue Center in Cathy’s memory—an organization that reflects her lifelong compassion.

A viewing will be held on December 22, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Daniels Family Sara Road Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

Her husband Steve offers this tribute: “To my loving wife Cathy, thank you for teaching me to love again.”

Cathy’s legacy lives on in the students she inspired, the animals she protected, the gardens she nurtured, and the people who loved her. She will be deeply missed.