Mary Hesch - Chavez

Mary Bernice Hesch Chavez, age 93, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024. Mary Bernice was born on June 14, 1931, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Louis Hesch and Maria Conklin Hesch. She graduated from Loretto Academy. She also attended art classes at The College of Santa Fe and St. Michael’s College.

Mary Bernice is preceded in death by her father and mother and loving husband of 74 years, Jose Chavez.

Mary Bernice is survived by her brother Victor Hesch (Yolanda) and her children Fabian (Jane), Louis (Anne), Joey (Robin), Vincient (Sheila), Mary (John Allen) and Victoria (Dan McCormack); as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mary Bernice was a loving wife and mother and will be fondly remembered by her large family and many friends. She was dedicated to her faith and culture working as a docent at the Cathedral Basilica in Santa Fe and volunteering as an artist to help paint the beautiful stenciling inside the church.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Sunshine, Joshua, Cesar, Gina and Bernadette for your loving care of our mother, to Compassus Hospice, and Father Aidan Gore.

Funeral services for both Mary Bernice and Jose will be held on August 9, 2024, with a Rosary led by the Penitentes Order La Morada De San Pedro En Chamita, at 10:00 am with Mass at 11:00 am at St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe. Following the Mass Mary Bernice will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery. The Pall Bearers will be sons Fabian, Louis, Joey and Vincent. Donations in honor of Mary Bernice can be made to the Cathedral Basilica and the Pecos Benedictine Monastery.