Arabella S. Archibeque

Arabella (Bella) S. Archibeque, 90, a true angel on earth, departed on 8 Nov 2022 to join the others in heaven after bringing love, joy, and strength to all who were blessed enough to know her. Born to Gregorio and Bernardita (Armijo) Salas on February 2, 1932 in Peña Blanca, NM, she was the last remaining of 14 siblings that spent their early years in Bernalillo, NM. Bella was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jose, and her son Gene Archibeque.

She is survived by her other children, Kathy Tollison (husband Jim), Mona Romero, and Bob Archibeque (wife Angela), 13 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and friends that loved her as their own.  From humble beginnings, Bella lived life to the fullest, excelling in just about all aspects. A valedictorian at Our Lady of Sorrows School, raising a family around the world during Jose’s Air Force years, working over 40 years for the federal government, including highly classified positions, until the age of 77.  She received multiple awards, including recognition as Civilian of the Year (three times) at Kirkland AFB. Through it all she left a legacy of love and kindness to all whom she encountered, giving of herself and all she had, to those most in need.  Bella was a devout Catholic, relentlessly devoted to her faith in Jesus Christ. She helped the Canossian Daughters of Charity distribute Communion to hospital patients until she was unable to do so.  She was in Rome for the canonization of St. Josephine Bakhita, and was blessed to see Pope John Paul II. During times of great joy or great sorrow, nothing ever shook her faith. In her 90 years, she never had an unkind word for anyone. Our world has become a little dimmer without her. 

 The Rosary and Memorial Service will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Services Chapel at 2400 Southern Blvd, Rio Rancho, NM, on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 6:30PM. Viewing begins at 4:00 PM.  Mass will be held November 22, 2022 at St Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM, at 9:30 AM.  Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:30. Afterward, a reception be held back at St. Jude Thaddeus around 3:00 PM.