On December 26th, 2025, Sahuaro lost one of our very own. Evelyn Thomas was a treasured part of Sahuaro’s history, serving as our culinary teacher from August 2019 to May 2024. She was a devoted teacher and served the CTE department with passion and devotion for many years.
Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Thomas was a cosmetologist, which led her to teaching. She started teaching cosmetology at JTED. That journey led her to Sahuaro and the culinary program.
Mrs. Thomas brought immense joy to everyone around her, radiating warmth and kindness through her gentle demeanor and unwavering positivity. As a cherished and esteemed member of our school community, she was deeply committed to the well-being and growth of her students. Her passion for education was evident in her tireless efforts to create a better learning environment, where each child felt valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Principal Estrella said she was “Always willing to help whenever possible. Mrs. Thomas approached every day with creativity and enthusiasm, engaging her students in imaginative activities that inspired learning and fun.” Mrs. Thomas expertly designed activities that seamlessly blended learning and enjoyment, igniting her students’ love of knowledge. From hands-on science experiments to engaging storytelling sessions, her lessons were marked by an infectious energy that inspired curiosity and fostered a lifelong love of learning.
A true champion of nutrition, Mrs. Thomas was particularly passionate about instilling the principles of a healthy lifestyle in her students. She went above and beyond by organizing workshops and interactive demonstrations, where students learned not just the importance of nutrition but also how to make informed choices about their diets. Her dedication extended far beyond the classroom walls, as she cultivated experiences that would resonate with her students well into their futures.
One of the most beloved traditions she established was the annual gingerbread house project. This creative endeavor not only celebrated the holiday spirit but also served as a hands-on lesson in teamwork, artistic expression, and the joy of bringing ideas to life. Each year, students eagerly anticipated this project, which perfectly encapsulated Mrs. Thomas’s commitment to making learning a delightful and memorable experience.
Mrs. Thomas leaves behind a profound legacy of kindness, care, and inspiration. The positive impact she had on our school and the lives of her students will echo through the years, as her spirit continues to influence and shape the hearts of those who had the privilege to know her. She will forever be remembered for the unwavering dedication and love she shared with us all.
Paula Saldutti, a past registrar at Sahuaro, shared that Evelyn had a deep and abiding love for God, expressed through her passion for playing the piano and her fondness for gospel hymns. Raised in Douglas, Arizona, by her devoted grandmother, she instilled family values and a strong sense of community in her descendants. Her legacy continues through her daughter and granddaughter, and she was eagerly anticipating the joyous arrival of her first great-grandchild.
“She loved learning new things and being creative, just as much as she enjoyed teaching. Extremely independent and self-reliant, with a radiating confidence. With a true passion for cooking and baking from scratch,” Paula shared.
Growing up in the 1950s, she embodied good values and common sense, qualities that guided her throughout her life. Known for her exceptional work ethic, she approached every task with diligence and integrity. Additionally, she remained keenly aware of the world around her, taking an active interest in politics and medicine, always striving to make informed choices that reflected her conscientious nature. Mrs. Thomas’ life was a testament to the importance of faith, family, and responsibility.
