Lucy A. Chavez

1922-2017

Lucy A. Chavez, passed away Sunday, September

24, 2017, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 95. She was born on April 5, 1922, in Albuquerque,

New Mexico, to parents, Antonio Aranda and Margaret Bono. Lucy grew up in Golden, NM, in a trilingual family. Her first language was Italian, followed by Spanish and English. Lucy attended Harwood Girls School in Albuquerque, NM, until her marriage to Ferminio J. Chavez, in 1941. In addition to being a wife and mother, Lucy got certified as a licensed practical nurse and was employed at the Bataan Hospital in Albuquerque where her language skills were invaluable. She then transferred to the Veterans’ Administration hospital and remained there for over 30 years and retired in 1985. Lucy was among, what is fondly referred to, as the "Greatest Generation." She, together with many Americans in her age group, made enormous personal sacrifices during the "Great Depression" and World War II. Lucy felt very blessed with her large family and was devoted to them. Her greatest pleasure was to be surrounded by her children and grandchildren especially in her last moments of life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ferminio J. Chavez; daughter, Margaret Chavez; and grandson, Fernando (Nando) Dominguez. Lucy is survived by her sons, Ernest Chavez and wife, Maria of Albuquerque, NM, and Joseph Chavez and wife, Sandy of Sun Lakes, AZ; son-in-law, Albert Wenzelburger of Albuquerque, NM; and daughter, Elaine Culbertson of Los Lunas, NM; her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as "Bapa." There are seven surviving grandchildren, Aprilyn Geissler and husband, John of Albuquerque, NM, Denise Chavez of Chandler, AZ, RamyAnn Forrest and husband, Jeff of Queen Creek, AZ, Lisa Bohannon and husband, Bo of Albuquerque, NM, Celeste Ehlers of Gilbert, AZ, Mario Gonzales and wife, Lavette of Peralta, NM, and Ginamarie Sconyers and husband, David of Broken Arrow, OK; fifteen greatgrandchildren, two greatgreat grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews.

All services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church, on Thursday, October 12, 2017. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. The family will be having a reception following the Mass at San Clemente Parish Hall, relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association in New Mexico, 5911 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 or an organization of your choice. Condolences can be sent to Noblin Funeral Service. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel, 2211-D Main St., (505) 866-9992.