Josephine Chavez

Josephine Chavez, 99, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Chavez; her mother and father, Rosabel and Leopoldo Martinez; and sister, Minnie Harper. She is survived by her sons, Larry (Joyce), Jerry (Pearl), and Ralph (Judge) Chavez; grandchildren, Tom Chavez, Pam Chavez Williams, Larry Chavez, Jr., and Marina Rubio; great-grandchildren, Taylor Williams, Ashley Nieder, Noah Chavez, Brooke Chavez, Joaquin Rubio, and Sophia Rubio; and her great-great-grandchildren, Parker Lee Nieder and Cale Nieder Jr. She is also survived by her sisters, Rosalie Bruce, Margaret Dropps, Leila Martinez, and Mary Torres; and by numerous nephews and nieces and family friends.

Josephine was born and raised in Springer, New Mexico and moved to Albuquerque with her husband Alfred after World War II. She was in the hospitality industry in her early years and spent most of her years as a homemaker overseeing a very happy household. Success and happiness were spread throughout her family under her and Alfred's guidance. She enjoyed competitive walking and won several medals in the Senior Division. She enjoyed following her son Judge's high school football career and his many years as a successful high school football coach. Throughout the sons' early years, Alfred and Josephine emphasized the value of gaining a good education and each graduated from the University of New Mexico and went on to successful careers. Josephine loved to cook and especially enjoyed family dinners. She was a devout member of Saint Therese Parrish and was a member of the Legion of Mary.

A Rosary will be recited Sunday, October 22, 2023, 6:00 p.m., at St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 Fourth Street NW. A Celebration of Life Mass will occur on Monday, October 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at St. Therese Church followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tom Chavez, Larry Chavez Jr, Bobby Chavez, Mark Naranjo, Ronnie Gutierrez, and Cale Nieder. A reception at the St. Therese gymnasium will follow.