Eva Puente Pineda

Eva Puente Pineda was born October 27, 1925 daughter of Juanita Montoya and Gregorio Puente in San Antonio, Texas. After years of suffering with dementia she passed on peacefully at 3:30 a.m. on July 26th.

The youngest of nine children, she was loved and supported by her immediate and extended family. She married Thomas J. Pineda on October 4, 1941, who shortly after was called to serve his country during World War II. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1945, they were able to raise their children around many close relatives in San Antonio until they relocated to Arizona in 1959.

Even while distant from her relatives in Texas, she kept strong ties with her family, returning often for visits and to care for family and extended family members. A strong advocate for family, she was instrumental for the passage of Arizona Statute 25-409, the grandparents’ rights law.

A dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints she served faithfully in various positions in the auxiliaries of the church, including Relief Society President. She and Thomas served together in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

The last of her generation, Eva is preceded in death by her beloved husband Thomas and one grandchild, Serene Justine Pineda (1997). She is survived by her nine children: Tomasita (David Long), Francisca (Ron Swain), Luis, Daniel (Esther), Irene, David (Elizabeth), Blandina (David Chavez), Richard (Sonia), and Leonard, 32 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 34 nephews and nieces. She will be greatly missed by all for her loving and nurturing ways as well as her love of fun and wonderful sense of humor.

A viewing will be held at Advantage Maryvale Mortuary, 6901 W Indian School Road from 6 to 9 pm on Friday August 2nd. Funeral service will be held on Saturday August 3rd at the LDS chapel at 8702 W Campbell Ave., Phoenix at 10 am with a viewing at 9 am. Grave Dedication to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery 10045 W Thomas Rd Avondale, AZ.

We are extremely grateful for all those that assisted our family in Eva’s care during her struggle with dementia; particularly the Neighborhood House in Salt Lake City, the Beehive Home in West Jordan, Utah. We would also like to extend special thanks to the employees of the Hospice of Arizona, and the aids and nurses of the Freedom Plaza Inpatient Unit for their loving care of our mother during her last weeks.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made on her behalf to Hospice of Arizona.