Magdalena Chavez

Magdalena Chavez passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the age of 91.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Arthur W. Chavez, her parents Cristobal and Ascencion Martinez, sister Adela Trujillo, brother Tevano (Jaun) Martinez, sister Olijia Abeyta, sister Mabel Velasquez, sister Cordelia Williams, brother Clyde Martinez, and brother Willie Martinez.

She is survived by her sister Bonnie Borrego, her children, daughter Loretta Evans, husband Gary, son Dennis Chavez, wife Susan, daughter Lena Sikes, son Arthur Chavez, wife Renee, 6 grandchildren Justin Evans, Kendra Evans, Kenna Yalcin, Jared Evans, Nathan Chavez, and Kyle Chavez, and 6 great grandchildren Justin Evans, Alaina Evans, Eleanor Evans, Bentley Evans, Ava Evans, Trenton Yalcin.

Rosary and mass will be held Wednesday, May 8,2024 at 10:00 am at the Santa Cruz Church, at 126 S McCurdy Rd Espanola, NM. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 pm, where she will join her husband, Arthur W Chavez. Reception will be held at the San Pedro Community Center, in Espanola.

Magdalena was born in Canjilon, New Mexico. She met and married Arthur Chavez, and spent most of her married life in Albuquerque, raising her children. She was a great cook, loved working her in her yard, loved coffee and cookies, flea markets, shopping, and scary movies. She loved laughing, being with family. She loved traveling, and gambling. She was definitely a slot machine queen. Where others tended to lose at the casino, she usually won. Magdalena was a great wife, mother, and friend. She had pearls of wisdom she liked to share. One of my favorites was being told to be careful going outside, and to be sure to wear sunscreen, because the sun was sick. We knew she meant "make you sick", but to her chagrin, we always tell each other that the sun makes us sick, we liked it better. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mom, until we all meet again, we'll always love and miss you.

Please feel free to share your memories of our mother, we would love to read them.                                                 

Dennis shared: After my dad died, mom mentioned that she missed going to Las Vegas. So we drove her. She made her famous roast beef and green chili sandwiches for lunch break. When we got there we had the best time. It was such a blast watching her having so much fun again. We would continue that for many years, and everyone of them was a special memory to us. 

The family of Magdalena Chavez has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to Rivera Family Funeral Home in the beautiful Espanola Valley. (505)753-2288 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com