Mela B. Chavez, born February 16, 1934 in Las Norias Ranch passed away on October 17, 2016 in Santa Fe after a long illness.
Mela is preceded in death by her parents Donaciano and Maria Chavez, brother Jose Cayetano, sister Guadalupita, sister-in-law Virginia, and Rita and Eufrasio Baca.
Mela is survived by nieces Diana (Abel) Armijo and Cynthia Mascarenas, nephews Manuel (Yolanda), Dennis and Jeffrey (Tonya) Chavez, very special cousins and David, Mary, Linda, Rosalie and JoAnne. Mela is survived by her very special friend and companion Sam Lovato and many other relatives that are too numerous to name.
Mela devoted her life to helping everyone. Mela was the most generous and giving person and always was ready to give a lending hand or help out financially. She was a caregiver and was very involved in St. Anne’s Church activities. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters. Mela had a special affection for the Las Norias Ranch where she was born. Mela’s mother died when she was 5 years of age and she was raised by her aunt Rita and other aunts for whom she had such a special affection. Mela also loved her nieces and nephews enormously. She was raised surrounded by lots of cousins whom she loved. Her very special person in her life was her brother Jose Cayetano Chavez whom she catered to. However, above all was her devotion to God and her Catholic faith. Mela’s life was an example of grace, humility and generosity.
A Rosary will be recited Monday, October 24, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church. Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church. Interment to follow at Rosario cemetery at 11:30 a.m.