Alvina Arellanes Blea

Alvina Arellanes Blea of Bernalillo, New Mexico passed away at her home surrounded by her family on May 4, 2011. She was 88. She was born in Grants, New Mexico on March 7, 1923. Ms. Blea was a former resident of Grants, where she was a devoted member of St. Teresa Catholic Church serving in the choir and along with her husband as church padrinos. She later moved to Albuquerque and Bernalillo where she became active with Holy Ghost, Risen Savior and Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Churches and the Bernalillo Senior Citizens Center. She was a devoted Wife, Mom and Grandma but she will best be remembered for love of her family, her faith and her amazing cooking, her red chili, posole, sweet rice, and little Debbie snacks she always had for all her grandchildren, she was loved and will be missed. She is survived her four children: Albert Blea and his wife June of Grants, Robert Blea and his wife Alice of Colorado Springs, CO, Theresa Blea and her friend Herman Vialpando of Bernalillo, and Jo-Ann Polinski and her husband Joseph of Anderson Creek, NC. Nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. Her Brother; Pat Saavedra and his wife Prudence of Milan, Her Sisters; Lydia Dominguez and her husband Sam of Grants, Norma Cruz of McAllister, OK, and Dorrie Otero of Cubero. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Jesus Blea; they were married on December 19, 1945 at St. Francis of Xavier Catholic Church in Albuquerque. He passed away on September 8, 1982. Also preceding, were her Parents; Jesus Martin Arellanes and Teresita Martinez Arellanes. Her brothers; Gilbert Saavedra, and Monico Saavedra. Her sisters; Rachel Blea, Lola Chavez, and Alvita Chavez. A Visitation will be held at St. Teresa Catholic Church on Friday May 6, 2011 beginning at 6:00 pm. A Rosary will follow at 7:00 pm, led by Deacon Timoteo Lujan. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday May 7, 2011 at 10:00 am, by Reverend Alberto Avella. Interment will follow at Grants Memorial Park. A reception will be held after services at Albert and June Blea’s residence. Pallbearers include: Donny Marez, Zach Blea, Melissa Martinez, Jamie Warr, Julian Blea, and Anthony Chavez. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Arrangements are entrusted to: Cope Memorial Chapel 1830 Barbara Ave Gallup, New Mexico 505-722-6671