Evangeline "Vangie" Aranda

Evangeline “Vangie” Aranda went to be with our Lord on Saturday, September 23, 2023. She died peacefully after living a loving life as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother.

Vangie was born on June 22, 1930 to Ignacio and Margaret Gutierrez who have preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister Flora Garcia (Orie), brother Orlando Gutierrez (Dolores) and son-in law Jeff Elks.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Elfego “Jay” Aranda, Jr., daughters: Beverly Elks, Jayne Aranda, Belinda Snyder (Chris), grandchildren: Ray Elks (Rosette), Sean Elks (Whitney), Alysea Aranda Lightle (Adam), Noelle Padilla (Andrew Higgins) and Alyssa Cameron (Bret), also seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Vangie graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1948 and after graduation, worked as a bookkeeper at a local Albuquerque company for the first ten years of her marriage. She was a devout and practicing Catholic all her life and was active in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish as part of the financial team for many years. She was an avid Lobo Basketball fan and attended faithfully for over 40 years. Line dancing and water aerobics were two of her favorite activities.

Vangie and Elfego married in 1950 and were dedicated to each other until the day she died. They raised three daughters and she was her grandchildren’s favorite babysitter.

She has been our matriarch and inspiration for love, faith and family. Through her example, our family has followed in her footsteps of hard work, dedication to family and love of life.

Vangie, we will forever hold you in our hearts. You are our shining light and we will miss you until we see you again.

Vangie's Life will begin with a Viewing on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 10:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (1860 Griegos Rd. NW, 87107). Rosary will be recited at 10:30am. Mass will begin at 11:00am. Vangie will be laid to rest following the Mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery (1900 Edith Blvd. NE 87102).

Pallbearers will be Raymond Elks, Sean Elks, Adam Aranda Lightle, Andrew Higgins, Johnny Garcia, and Chris Snyder.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Gutierrez, Ernie Gutierrez, Paul Gutierrez, Randy Garcia, and Ruben Cervantes.