Carmen Rivera Chavez

Carmen J. Rivera Chavez, 77, passed away peacefully November 13, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM after a short illness. Daughter of late Tom and Simone Rivera, she was born April 16, 1944 in Taos, NM. There she attended the public schools of Taos and grew up with five older brothers and an older sister before moving to Colorado Springs.

For 27 years, she worked for the Colorado judicial court system as a clerk for Judge Pelican. Following her retirement she moved back to New Mexico and worked for the Rio Arriba County senior center in Dixon, NM. She became a friend to many while participating in various groups. For those who knew Carmen, she had a passion for dancing, embroidery and volunteering for those in need. As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she will be missed by many friends and family. She was an active member of Los Coloniales de Santa Fe dance group and a devout member of her church. When it came to religion, Carmen wore no “blinders”. She became a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe and served as an ordained deacon. She also had a love for singing and held a valued position in her local choir group of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Velarde, NM.

She is preceded in death by her late husband Orlando Garcia, an older brother Ted Rivera, and an older sister Dina Rivera.

Her beautiful life will be forever cherished by her adoring husband Rey Chavez of Santa Fe, NM, siblings Tom (Fina) Rivera of Highlands Ranch, CO, Rick (Mary) Rivera of Littleton, CO, Johnny Rivera of Colorado Springs, CO, Michael (Donna) Rivera of Pleasant Valley, CA, grandchildren Elena Fawcett of Colorado Springs, CO, Anna (Ryan) Beringer of Colorado Springs, CO, Maggie (Joseph) Stading of Colorado Springs, CO, five great granddaughters, Belle, Maia, and Charlotte Jackson, Brenna and Cheyenne Beringer, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

Services for Carmen will be at Santa Maria de La Paz, Santa Fe, New Mexico on December 09, 2021. Roasry will be prayed at 10AM and Mass will follow at 10:30AM. 

The family of Carmen Chavez has entrusted the gentle care of their precious loved one to Rivera Family Funeral Home of the beautiful Espanola Valley. Please share your condolences and memories with the family.