Bernadette Anne Lithgow

Bernadette Ann Chavez Lithgow March 13, 1947 – March 5, 2025, Bernadette Ann Lithgow passed away unexpectedly in her home in Albuquerque on March 05, 2025. She was born in Santa Fe to Rosarita Chavez Padilla, and after the passing of her mom was adopted along with her sister Barbara by their aunt and uncle, Josephine Chavez and Clarence Lithgow, Sr.Bernadette attended St. Francis School and graduated from Santa Fe High School. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the College of Santa Fe. Bernadette worked in Washington DC before relocating back to New Mexico. She held several positions in the New Mexico State Government including retiring as a Workers’ Compensation Administrator.Bernadette was both an active member and leader in the River of Hope Civitan Club and The African American Catholic community. She was also a passionate animal lover having had many pets throughout her life and was a big supporter of the Humane Society both as a volunteer and donor. Bernadette enjoyed running, traveling, and was active in local and state politics. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels delivering free meals to the elderly and served as a volunteer throughout her life for various organizations and was awarded The Presidents Volunteer Service Award in 2019. Bernadette was preceded in death by her mother, adoptive parents, siblings Damacio and Bobby Dimas, Bonnie Burch, Donald and Porky Lithgow, and brother's in-law Victor Burch, Howard Remaly, Regge Wiseman, Jacob Olivas, nephews Daryl and Jared Lithgow, Craig Ripley and niece Dawn Lithgow. She is survived by her sisters Rita Martinez, Hilda Lithgow Ripley, Dolores Remaly, Trudy Padilla and Barbara Chavez (Mike), along with many nieces and nephews including Mark Chavez, MD. Also surviving Bernadette are her sisters-in-law Gloria Lithgow and Loretta Lithgow. Services will be held at Rivera Family Funeral Home – Kiva Chapel, 417 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, on Monday, March 24, 2025, starting at 10 am. Interment will follow at 11:30 am at Rosario Cemetery, 499 N. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe.