Sunday, May 28, 2023
Maliah Jo Rosenbloom passed away peacefully among her loved ones in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 19, 2023, after an 11 year journey living with ovarian cancer. She was born on May 13, 1962, in sunny San Diego, California to Arlan L. and Edith K. Rosenbloom. She is survived by her only son, Galileo Zen; her siblings: Eric Rosenbloom, Disa Halbach, Harris Rosenbloom; her parents; her ex-husband and father of Galileo, Daniel Otero; and many extended family members.
A lifelong artist, traveller, and worldly collector, having lived in West Africa, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, she eventually was inspired to share her love of world art by opening the first international retail store in her hometown of Gainesville, Florida, named Eshugu Imports. Being the only store of its kind in town, it quickly became the hang out spot for artists and hippie kids alike; most famously the Phoenix clan of Liberty, Rain, River, and Leaf. After shop hours, you could find her in one of the local clubs dancing the night away, a passion she rekindled in her last years living in Albuquerque at the pop up Headphone Dance Parties.
She first visited Albuquerque in 1995, where she met Daniel, and returned once again to live a couple years after Galileo was born in 1997. She quickly fell in love with the mountains and stunning landscapes of New Mexico, making driving around a common and favorite pastime.
She is remembered for the kindness, vitality, and wit that emanated from her, usually through a radiant smile. A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held in early June. Any donations can be made in her name to the Open Space Alliance, or your favorite conservation nonprofit, to support the Albuquerque area open spaces that she loved.
