Eva S. Archunde

Eva S. Archunde went home to be with The Lord on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the age of 101. Her daughter Evangeline, was by her side praying with her and encouraging her as she made her transition into God’s presence. Eva lived her life dedicated to God, her Christian faith, her husband, children, grandchildren and students. She was a lifelong New Mexico resident but spent the last five years of her life living under her daughters care in Thousand Oaks, California. Two of her most outstanding characteristics was her dedication to God and her entire family. She grew up in Los Chaves, NM and like most of her siblings pursued a teaching career. She began her 45-year teaching career at age 20 in the Grants, NM elementary school system and later transferred to the Los Chavez elementary school system. Eva continued her pursuit of higher education in the area of business at the University of New Mexico as well as attending night classes at  St. Joseph’s College, later known as the University of Albuquerque. She acquired enough credits to graduate however she did not receive her degree until age 96 at a graduation commencement at the University of New Mexico. What an amazing moment that was for her! Her love for teaching propelled her to ultimately pursue a teaching career in the business school system teaching young adults the fine art of shorthand. Her skills as a shorthand teacher were unprecedented.  She became the lead instructor at Draughon’s Business College and was also named the Principal of the college. During her career at Draughon’s she entered a national competition for shorthand teachers across the nation and won the competition. She was honored in Washington, DC with the award. Eva was later hired and finished her teaching career as a business school teacher with Job Corps of New Mexico as well as teaching night classes at TVI. Eva’s students deeply respected her and loved her!

Eva is survived by her daughter Evangeline Bedinghaus, her son Phillip Archunde, her three granddaughters Julianna Adams, Renee Archunde and Janna Gantt. Eva also had five great grandchildren.

A Rosary will be held at 9:30 am followed by Mass at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 6th at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, 101 N 10th St, Belen, NM 87002. A burial service will follow at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Arrangements are being handled by Daniel’s Family Funeral Services, Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, 505-821-0010.