10/15/2026
How fortunate we all were in Cuchara to know the amazing Danette Chimenti. Our beloved friend and Cuchara Hermosa member passed away in the presence of friends this morning in her cabin on the river in Cuchara - the community she loved.
When she moved to Cuchara from Austin about 15 years ago, she found many ways to contribute to the greater community.
She took on the time-consuming task of producing Hermosa's Directory and making it a professional document. She became a volunteer firefighter, first-responder EMT, and, as an avid accomplished mountain hiker, she volunteered for search-and-rescue missions.
She served on the board of the La Veta School Foundation, and was the prime organizer of and a generous contributor to the annual W**e Tasting fundraiser.
Danette will be remembered for her friendship, generosity, sense of adventure and also for her pie-making. Her homemade pies were in high demand at parties and Hermosa potlucks, which was rather amusing considering she did not eat sweets.
Danette - Thank You for being our friend and a generous friend to Cuchara. We are all better for having known you.
