Audrey Sundayman

Audrey Marie LaPaz-Sundayman passed on Tuesday May 26, 2020 in Ruidoso, NM. She was born on September 7, 1939 in Mescalero, NM. She attended St. Johns Indian School and completed middle school in Laveen, AZ, then graduated from Bellflower Highschool while living in Long Beach, CA. She returned to Mescalero in the 1960’s and began a long pursuit of higher education. Audrey succeeded by obtaining an Associates Degree from ENMU then earned her Bachelor’s Degree from ENMU-Portales in 1990. She worked in various departments within the Mescalero Tribe before retiring after a long career as an Educational Assistant from Mescalero Schools.

Audrey was preceded in death by her son Michael Boy Sundayman, parents Frank & Azora LaPaz, and sisters Virginia & Janet LaPaz. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Jennifer & Doug Byers, niece Frances Cochise, and daughter Louise LaPaz, all residents of Mescalero, NM. She was the beloved “Gram” of Forrest Cochise, Christina Byers-Hoahwah & husband Tyron, Megan Byers of Eunice, NM, Melanie Bell and Zane LaPaz. Her great grandchildren are Zander LaPaz, Mila Bell-Martinez and Kaydence & Alexavier Martinez. Audrey is also survived by the many relatives from her paternal LaPaz Family & maternal Kaneswah Family.   Graveside services and burial were held on May 27, 2020 at the LaPaz Family Cemetery in Lower Elk, NM. A Memorial Mass and gathering will be announced at a later date.