Rose P. Camacho, 47

The CNMI Scholarship Office is mourning the passing of its administrator, Rose Pangelinan Camacho, who passed away yesterday on Saipan. She was 47 years old. There was no immediate word on the cause of her death.

This November would have been Camacho’s eighth year with the CNMI Scholarship Office. A close friend who asked not to be named described her as a champion and a trailblazer for students, always looking for more scholarship opportunities for them.

In a statement yesterday, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios extended their condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Camacho on behalf of our families and the people of the Commonwealth. “It is a very sad day for all of us as we mourn her untimely passing,” the statement adds. In it, Torres said that Camacho was not merely a member of his Cabinet but, most importantly, a member of the Office of the Governor’s family.

“Rose’s exceptional service and contribution to our Commonwealth over her career, most recently as the administrator of our CNMI Scholarship Office since 2012, will not be forgotten,” said Torres, who also praised her “good work and diligent efforts” to make higher education possible for students, and people, on the islands.

Tributes

Separately, in a Facebook post by CNMI Cannabis Commission managing director Monique B. Sablan, who used to work with Camacho, she described her as a “selfless, supportive, caring, loving person,” that Camacho always believed in her, and always gave her opportunities to shine. In fact, it was Camacho who named Sablan as the 2018 Employee of the Year at the CNMI Scholarship Office.

Rose Pangelinan Camacho

Sablan’s said the loss of Camacho is “more than losing a boss,” and “more than losing a friend,” and feels like losing an “older sister, a mentor, and confidant.” Sablan added that age “made no difference” and that Camacho was one of the best people she’s ever met.

“If I could only explain the many times she’s been there for me— you’d understand why this pain hurts so much. Whether it was a 5-minute conversation to hours—she was there for me through it all. She was one person I could always run to. One person who I knew would always care,” said Sablan.

Camacho wasn’t all work though. Sablan stated that she was a fine mother and wife, that she loved her family “with every ounce of her being” by putting them first and making sure they were always supported, loved, and cared for.

This was echoed by Camacho’s son, who paid her tribute on Facebook. “You’ve mothered me in ways that some have never experienced. …Your love for your children and grandchildren is unmatched and the joy you brought to our family will never be filled now that you’ve departed,” he said.

Sablan said that Camacho was always on the lookout for scholarship opportunities for students in the CNMI.

“She knew what she was doing, and she was good at it. …She was never stingy. I knew I could always turn to her for help,” said Sablan.

Torres said that the leadership and work that Pangelinan put in every day helped many people in the community attain their educational goals, improve their economic standing, and see exceptional growth within their lives and in their families.

“We ask the Marianas to keep her family, most especially her husband, Anthony, and their children—Angelo, Sebastian, Spencer, Nana, and Princess—in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you, Rose, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a true public servant for the people of the Commonwealth,” said Torres.