Evangeline M. Felter

Evangeline M. Felter (Vangie), a truly cherished soul and longtime resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away gently on September 4, 2026, at the age of 86. Defined by her endless kindness, quiet strength, and selfless nature, Evangeline devoted her life to bringing comfort and happiness to everyone around her.

Born on October 29, 1939, in Española, New Mexico, to Cipriano and Ella Padilla, Evangeline enjoyed a warm and happy childhood in Ranchito's. She later married New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Edwin L. Felter, with whom she built a loving, faith-filled home and raised a wonderful family in Santa Fe. Driven by a quiet determination and a lifelong passion for learning, she earned her Master of Business Administration from the College of Santa Fe, a milestone that brought her immense personal pride. Following a dedicated career serving the State of New Mexico, she retired to Albuquerque to spend peaceful, restful years surrounded by those she loved most.

Evangeline delighted in simple pleasures exploring unfamiliar places, sharing meals, and carefully creating a vast collection of favorite cookbooks. As an enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society, she looked forward to monthly gatherings, filling the room with laughter while dressed in her signature purple attire and marvelous red hat. Her family was her world; nothing brought her deeper peace or greater comfort than seeing her children and grandchildren, happy and thriving.

Evangeline was blessed with a beautiful, 49-year friendship with her best and truest friend, Phyllis Luchetti. Their special bond brought extraordinary joy, laughter, and remarkable travel adventures to Evangeline's life, creating memories that remained close to her heart.

Evangeline's memory will be carried with love by her daughters, Rita Felter (Robert Montoya) and Angela Romero (husband Paul); son, Judge Edwin L. Felter Jr. (wife Irina); grandsons, Thomas E. Vialpando (Maria), Shane E. Vialpando (Maria), Wayne E. Beevers (wife Katelyn), and Edwin Felter; and granddaughter, Cynthia A. Beevers; great-grandchildren, Adriana Vialpando, Amaya Vialpando, Jayden Vialpando, Elsie Beevers and Dawson Beevers; sisters, Phyllis Taylor, Dolores Sly; brothers, John Lucero (Conchita) and Leonard Maez (Judy); half-sister, Consuelo Lopez; godson/nephew, Matthew Minssen; nephews, Johnathan Minssen, Paul Salazar, Brandon Hunt (Mariah) and Kenneth Padilla (Elizabeth); nieces, Brenda Salazar (David), Monica Armijo (Marcus), Lynne Lucero Arendall (Michael), Azlyanna Hunt (Azzy), Pepper Thompson, Melanie Padilla, Anna Garcia, Angelic Rodriquez and Carlos Gonzales and several other family members and friends.

She is now reunited in everlasting peace with her beloved husband, Justice Edwin L. Felter; her daughter, Teresa A. Felter; her son, John W. Felter; her parents, Cipriano and Ella Padilla; brother, Leroy "Sonny" Padilla; sister, Judy Foster; nieces, Nicholette Minssen, Chrystal Hunt, Jessica Hunt; nephews, Adrian Salazar, Vincent Salazar, Dean M. Lucero, Julian Rendon, Joseph Rendon, Christopher Trujillo; and baby angels Thomas Edwin Felter; and Evangeline Lee Barkell.

Evangeline's gentle spirit, radiant warmth, and unconditional love remain an everlasting comfort to all who were blessed to know her. She will be missed beyond words and held in our hearts forever.

Services for Evangeline will start on Monday, September 28, 2026, in Albuquerque, NM with a visitation and prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Westside Chapel.

The Santa Fe, NM service will be held on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, with a Rosary starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church (Santa Fe), location 11 College Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508.

The Graveside Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. (please arrive by 1:30 p.m. or sooner as attendance is prompt) at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

The funeral procession starts, September 30th, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., (please be there by 7:30 a.m. for vehicle line up) at FRENCH - Westside Chapel, from Albuquerque traveling to Santa Fe. (You are welcome to join us if you wish to participate in the procession).