Alberta Archuleta Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved Matriarch Alberta Archuleta. She transitioned peacefully at home surrounded by the love of family on July 23, 2020. Born to Floyd and Rosana Archuleta on September 19, 1930 in Olathe, CO. Alberta is survived by her siblings: Margaret Fields, Bella McDonald, Richard Archuleta; her daughters: Rita Gonzales Lopez (Lanny Lopez), Lydia Velasquez (Robert Velasquez), Josephine Almada Candelario (Nashon Perry) along with 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 28 great, great grandchildren and countless nieces & nephews. Mom will be deeply missed but through our faith and understanding we know that she has found peace in joining those who preceded her in death including her parents and siblings: Tom, Joseph, Nino, David, Robert and Suzy along with her precious sons Gilbert Gonzales Jr. and Gerald Gonzales Sr. She always loved a new adventure and said often that she had lived a very fulfilling life. That brings us solace and comfort during this difficult time. Many people who knew mom would say she was a no-nonsense type of person. She was also very nurturing and would make you feel right at home with her jokes, quick wit, hospitality and fantastic Mexican food; best frijoles and tortillas ever! She loved having her grandchildren around and was always teaching them something new. Mom was a strong and motivated person. She came to Salt Lake City as a young woman and raised four children on her own while working and attending college at the University of Utah. She accomplished a great deal of things in her life and took pride in being the best in all of her endeavors. She worked with several different governors and mayors of Utah to implement change for better treatment of the Latino community and Women of Color. She believed that women are powerful and capable. She had to be strong growing up and that strength is what helped her become one of Utah’s greatest Chicana activists. She was named La Madre de la Movimiento by her community and one of her best friends Archie Archuleta whom she fought alongside of, for the rights of Chicanos, Mexicans, Latinos, minorities and all underserved communities. She was a mentor to minority women in Utah, giving them a voice and developing resources to help them become advocates for themselves so they could pursue an education and career. Mom was involved with several groups including SOCIO, La Raza, The Brown Berets and was also the director of Mujeres en Progreso. Moms legacy is that of strength, hard work, activism, the belief in equality for every race and advocating for la gente along with love for family and traditions. You will never be forgotten Mujer! We love you always. There will be a celebration of life in the near future once things have settled a little more with the pandemic.

Alberta Archuleta

September 19, 1930 - July 23, 2020