With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother and matriarch, Maria Chavez. Maria was born on December 10, 1936, in New Mexico. She passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, in California, surrounded by the love of her family.

Maria was a woman of strength, faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. In her late adulthood, she moved to California and built a new chapter of her life by starting her own babysitting business. She babysat for many years before retiring. She nurtured and cared for countless children, leaving a lasting impact on many families.

Maria enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She especially loved playing bingo in her free time, it brought her tremendous joy and excitement. Her family was her greatest pride and joy. She is survived by her two children, Mark Chavez and Lynette Chavez-Ward; her son-in-law, Maurice Ward; three cherished sisters-in-laws; and six beloved grandchildren who were truly the light of her life. She poured love, wisdom, and strength into each of them.

Maria is now reunited in eternal peace with her loving husband, Wilfred Chavez, and her dear son, Norman Jay Chavez. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort knowing she rejoins them in the afterlife.

Maria's legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the love she gave so freely, and the countless memories we will cherish forever. Her laughter, her watchful and caring nature, and her steady presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Services for Maria Chavez will be held on March 6, 2026, at the San Felipe Church , 2005 N Plaza Street NW , Albuquerque, NM 87104.

Those wishing to send flowers may donate and send arrangements directly to the church.

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so beautifully shared during her time on earth. 🤍