Eleanor Mae Perkins

Eleanor Mae (Viruetta) Perkins, 92, a resident of Albuquerque, NM since 1971, died Friday, August 28, 2026. Born March 1, 1934, in Denver, Colorado, to Henry and Lela Viruetta, she came to Albuquerque in 1971 with her husband, James, and their children.

She is survived by her children, Michelle Rebarchik, Debra Perkins, Andrew Perkins, and Angela Pease; 28 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many friends. Mrs. Perkins was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Perkins, who died in December 2004, and by her son, Paul Perkins, who died in July 2022.

Eleanor was a loving mother, grandmother, and homemaker, and her home was the heart of the family. She kept it spotless and there was always a great meal to look forward to. She had a wonderful sense of humor and her wit stayed sharp to the very end. For more than 50 years her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered at her table and out on her patio, and the holidays at her house are among the family's most treasured memories. After James died in 2004, she carried on with quiet strength and remained the center of the family she had built. Her faith sustained her throughout her life. For more than 50 years she was a parishioner of the Shrine of St. Bernadette, where she led the rosary after daily Mass.

Friends and Family may visit FRENCH-Lomas, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., with the Rosary recited by the family at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, with Father Rick Zervas, Celebrant. Interment will follow at 1:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

The family wishes to thank her daughter Angela and her family for the loving care they gave Eleanor in her final years. She will be greatly missed.