Etna L. Chavez

CHAVEZ, ETNA L. Etna L. Chavez, (or) Mrs. Eladio F. Chavez, born on September 1, 1925 passed away gently on Monday, May 5th, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children; Susan Perea, Anthony Chavez, and Carmen Wilson; and grandchildren, Caroline Humphrey, Audrey Perea, Felicia Nunnally, and Ursula Perea. The youngest of two girls Etna was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Eladio F. Chavez and her sister Lorraine Baca. Like so many of her generation she married a WWII Veteran. Eladio earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in the Army. Etna and Eladio were high school sweethearts who raised a family and thrived in Albuquerque after WWII. Etna retired from the University of New Mexico's Student Health Department in the late 80's where she was an administrator. This association with the University and its students kept Etna abreast of society and social changes throughout her tenure and made her a very modern woman. After their retirement Etna and her husband reinvented themselves as artists. Often collaborating, and utilizing as their inspiration, their interest in primitive colonial religious art. They soon found themselves selling their art at the Spanish Market in Santa Fe. Etna and Eladio were also represented by the Weem's Gallery in Albuquerque. Etna became well known for her straw work and "story tellers", which were hand crafted with New Mexico clay. And now we say goodbye... May the earth lie lightly on our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., 1860 Griegos Road N.W., Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following the mass Etna will be interred next to her husband at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe.