Search Results

Chauvenet -- Beatrice Champion Chauvenet, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 20, 2001. Born in Iola, Kansas on July 22, 1902, she was the oldest of three children to Edmund Claude Champion and Helena Alaysa Brown. Ms. Chauvenet was alumnae of the University of Michigan where she received her BA and MA in teaching and journalism. It was here that she won the Hopwell award for a manuscript novel on the 1846-1850 period. She taught reading and English as a second language on the Navajo Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona. Ms. Chauvenet was an accomplished part time writer. She sold fiction to the love story and confession pulps as well as featured articles to more sedate markets. Her longer works included THE BUFFALO HEAD (coauthored with Daniel T. Kelly), HOLY FAITH IN SANTA FE, and the award winning HEWITT AND FRIENDS. Prior to moving to Albuquerque, she lived in Santa Fe for 56 years where she was actively involved in historic preservation. She was a member of the boards of the Old Santa Fe Association, the Santa Fe Historical Society, and the Santa Fe Planning Commission. Ms. Chauvenet also served with the famous Indian Detours program, worked as an abstractor, was county director of the American Red Cross during World War II and later became a public health administrator on both the state and national levels. She was a long time member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith in Santa Fe. She spent her leisure time traveling and painting the sunsets of New Mexico she so dearly loved. She rode camels in Egypt, mules down the Grand Canyon, and sailed around the world. Preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Guthrie; her sister, Ruth Montgomery; and her brother, Glen Champion. Ms. Chauvenet is survived by her granddaughter, Holly Klosterhoff and Holly's husband, Randy and their dog, Norm; and also by many nieces, nephews and dear friends. A Private family celebration of her life will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, La Vida Llena Retirement Center or a charity of your choice. Sunrise Society is serving the family. (891-8200).
        Published on: Sun June 24, 2001