Christine C. Zuni

Zuni, Christine Cata

Christine Cata Zuni, 95, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went home to the Lord on June 3, 2017, in her place of residency at the Retreat Gardens in Rio Rancho. Her Tewa name was Quah Povi, and she was known by many as Povi.

Povi was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Abelicio Zuni, and her youngest son, Kenneth Victor. Her survivors include her children, Mary Lou Kokaly, Laurie Glaser, Stanley J. Zuni, Walter J. Zuni, Evelina Zuni Lucero and Christine Zuni Cruz, as well as 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Povi was best known for her strong faith in Jesus Christ by those close to her. She was a potter known for her horned vases, carved pottery and storytellers. Povi’s work earned her awards at regional and museum art shows. She participated in the Santa Fe Indian Market for many years. She frequently demonstrated pottery making at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC in the 1970s and at the New Mexico State Fair and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque in the 1980s and 90s.

Povi was born on July 17, 1921, in Dulce, New Mexico. She grew up in Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (formerly known as San Juan Pueblo) with her parents, Demacio and Flora Archuleta Cata, from whom she learned to make pottery. She attended the Albuquerque Indian School, where she met her husband, Abe, to whom she was married 50 years. Abe’s career in the Bureau of Indian Affairs took them from Isleta Pueblo to Ignacio, Colorado, Stewart, Nevada and Washington, DC before they returned home to retire in Isleta Pueblo. The two frequently traveled together to Europe, Israel and other places. Povi lived a long, fruitful life and will be missed by those whose lives she touched with her faith and love.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Westside. Interment will take place Friday, June 9, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

FRENCH – Westside

9300 Golf Course Rd NW

505-897-0300