DENVER — Martha Urioste, the first person to establish Montessori education in the Denver Public Schools system, passed away Dec. 8. She was 85 years old.

Known as “La Madrina de Montessori,” or The Godmother of Montessori, Urioste’s work served as a model for public schools across the country, DPS said in a press release.

“Having been a Denver Public School educator with many assignments and experiences for 45 years, my greatest joy and happiness was to know that I had the honor and privilege to be with Montessorians, parents, and children as well as the entire community launching Education and Peace as Dr. Maria Montessori’s most important vision and mission in the world,” Urioste once said.

Montessori education emphasizes hands-on learning, student independence and more social interactions in the classroom. Most Montessori schools in the U.S. are private, though there are nearly 600 public options.

Urioste, according to DPS, initially introduced Montessori education to Mitchell Elementary School, then expanded the practice throughout the city.

“Martha Urioste weaved the net that saved thousands of children from falling through the cracks in our school system, and propelled all children in DPS. Her life touched everyone she encountered, and her passing is a true loss for all Colorodoans [sic] who have gained so much from her tireless efforts,” DPS said in a press release.

Urioste was born Oct. 2, 1937 in Raton, New Mexico. Soon after graduating from Loretto Heights College in 1958, she started working with DPS as a first grade teacher at Gilpin Elementary.

An advocate for bilingual education, Urioste taught Spanish on channel 6 in Denver (KRMA).