Ernestine (Chavez) Chavez-Lucero

Ernestine Chavez-Lucero was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 22, 2019.  She was born on July 30, 1961 in Las Cruces, NM.  Ernestine moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to start her career in state government and raise her three beautiful children Desiree, Myles and Niomi.  Ernestine had a long career at the New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority (NMPSIA) and she eventually became the first female Executive Director for the Agency.  Everyone who knew Ernestine knows how passionate and driven she was about her career.  She possessed an unprecedented work ethic and truly cared for NMPSIA’s membership and her team. Ernestine also had her own Jazzercise franchise since 1998 and created an amazing network of health and fitness for many. Many of her students have been with her from the beginning and were truly an inspiration and driving force in her life. The connection she forged with every person she met will live on her memory.

Ernestine is survived by the love of her life, her husband Richard Lucero; daughter Desiree Martinez-Gallegos and son-in-law Santiago Gallegos, son, Myles Martinez and daughter-in-law Victoria Martinez; and daughter Niomi Martinez.  Ernestine is also survived by her other great loves, her grandchildren Julian Pincheira, Sylvia Pincheira, Ayden Martinez, Lathan Martinez and baby Evangelina Martinez. She is also survived by her husband’s children, Ricky Lucero; Angel Lucero; Jose Lucero; Valerie and Lauren Tafoya; and grandchildren.  She also leaves behind many siblings, (Daniel, Joe, Jon, Mary, Sally and Henry) nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers.

Ernestine is preceded in death by her beloved parents Julian U. Chavez and Guadalupe L. Chavez; her brother Sammy Chavez; bother Robert Chavez; beloved sister-in-law Lucille Chavez; nephew Gary Samenego.

She will be greatly loved and missed by many who had the honor of knowing her.

Service details will be provided in the upcoming days.