Patricia "Trish" Marie Covarrubias

Patricia “Trish” Marie Covarrubias (1967–2026)

Patricia “Trish” will be remembered for her beautiful soul and kind heart, radiant smile, the love she had for her daughter, her dedication to her special education students over the years, and her many traveling adventures around the world in her later years. Trish was also known by many as Trishy, Ms. “C”, Auntie Trish and to her daughter, mamas.

Trish’s unexpected passing comes as a shock to her family, friends, and loved ones, who are devastated at their sudden loss. She lived a vibrant life, still had so much ahead of her, and was called home to the Lord far too soon.

Patricia “Trish” Marie Covarrubias, 58, of Hesperia, CA, passed away due to heart-related complications on February 13, 2026. Trish was born at Norwalk Community Hospital in Norwalk, CA, on April 23, 1967, to Beatrice E. and Joseph R. Covarrubias, who were both devoted grandparents and Hesperia School District employees well known throughout the high desert community.

Trish grew up in Norwalk, CA, and attended D.D. Johnston Elementary School. After the Covarrubias family relocated to the high desert in the 80s, she attended Hesperia Junior High School and graduated from Victor Valley High School in 1985. She went on to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in and obtaining her Special Education teaching credentials from California Baptist University and Chapman University. During her earlier years, Trish worked at GemCo in Hesperia. She also previously served as a special education resource specialist aide at both Kingston Elementary School and Ranchero Middle School. In addition, she spent most of her early years helping out with her daughter’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at Cottonwood Elementary and as a catechist at her local churches, Holy Family Church and Holy Innocents Catholic Church.

Trish had a deep love and passion for teaching, which led her to a tenured career in special education. She taught Kindergarten through Sixth grade as a Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teacher at Discovery School of the Arts for approximately 15 years, where she loved the challenges, achievements and successes of educating the next generation(s). She wholeheartedly adored teaching her special education students at Discovery School of the Arts, in which many still remember her to this day from many years ago for the lasting impact she made. Trish will always be remembered by countless students and colleagues as a generous and caring influence. She retired early in 2021, but dedicated most of her life to supporting the growth and success of her students and left an incredible legacy behind.

Trish was a devoted and loving single mother to her only daughter, Ashleigh Covarrubias-Montes, her pride and joy. She was the epitome of strength, independence, determination, and resilience. Trish always said that Ashleigh’s birth changed her life for the better, and anyone could see that in the dedication, unconditional love and support she exemplified. If the two of them weren’t at a school function, catechism class, thrifting, camping, on an adventure or at a concert, you could most definitely find Trish and Ashleigh within each other's company. Trish took special joy in supporting Ashleigh throughout her life, from elementary school and into college. She had fond memories of the camping trips and concerts they attended for over 30 years, and was very proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

In addition, Trish always had a soft spot for her furry family members, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were. She left behind two grandkitties and her semi-feral cat, whom she loved more than anything in her later years. She also leaves behind her adorable adopted donkey, Cruz.

Everyone who knew Trish knew how much she loved attending her Anaheim Ducks hockey games, Laker games, UCLA and LA Rams football games, and so many more! She loved The Beatles, Somewhere in Time (her favorite movie with Christopher Reeve), Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, and going on family and solo trips to Knott’s Berry Farm. She will always be remembered for the hundreds of photos she would share on social media of her numerous world traveling memories and her fond memories of concerts. In her later years after her retirement, you could guarantee that Trish was on an international trip somewhere in the world, which she wholeheartedly deserved to experience after such an enriching life that she built for herself and her family.

Trish will always be remembered for her empathetic and loving outlook on life, and the way that she would always find time to check-in on her loved ones and friends. We’ll always imagine hearing her say “love ya’lls” or “let’s go ducks” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother (mamas), sister, Auntie Trish, friend and donkey-mom. We all will miss Trish so much, every single day; her memory will be sure to live on in the hearts of all those who loved her!

Trish was preceded in death by her parents Beatrice E. (d. 2010) and Joseph R. (d. 2021) Covarrubias, along with her brothers Daniel C. Covarrubias (d. 2017), David A. Covarrubias (d. 1985) and Anthony Covarrubias (d. 2019). She is survived by her daughter, Ashleigh Covarrubias-Montes (Alejandro) and brother Andrew J. Covarrubias (Terri).

With respecting Trish’s final wishes, she did not wish to be buried. The Covarrubias family plan to honor Trish during a beautiful Celebration of Life - details are still to be determined and forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers - in honor of Trish’s memory, please consider donating and supporting Beth’s Burro Barn in Fort Mohave, AZ. Her adopted donkey, Cruz, is located and cared for at the donkey sanctuary, where Trish dedicated much of her time. Additional donations to the Special Olympics, which transforms the lives of millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities, would also be greatly appreciated. Trish had the opportunity to volunteer at the Special Olympics in 2018 and it is a cause that she cared very dearly about.

Trish may be gone, but she will forever live on in our hearts!

Kindly RSVP to Trish's Celebration of Life on the QR Code above or by clicking here