On March 4, 2026, Esther Lydia Velasquez, 86, of Arroyo Seco, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Esther was born on March 5, 1939, in Gallina, NM, to Amadeo Chacon and Amalia Sanchez, and raised by her adoptive parents Apolonio and Antonia Chavez.

Esther shared 53 years of marriage with Bernie, and together they experienced many adventures. Of all the adventures in her life, the greatest was the one she prayed for every day—her family. Esther loved her family above all else and was the heart of the family, a steady presence whose love was felt and treasured by all. She shared a unique and personal bond with each of her children and grandchildren. Like the gardens and flowers she lovingly tended to, she nurtured them with care, patience, and devotion, surrounding them with love and watching them grow and flourish. Esther was never timid in her love. She spoke with honesty and guided with strength, always rooted in care and faith. In her motherhood, she participated in God’s creative love—shaping the hearts, consciences, and faith of her children through self-giving and sacrificial love. Through her teaching, guidance, and wisdom, she helped bring clarity and purpose to their daily lives, leaving a legacy of faith and love that will continue to bloom for generations.

Her life reflected Christ’s love and joy and extended beyond her family. She carried a warm smile wherever she went and delighted in making others laugh and feel loved. People were drawn to her spirited and feisty personality, and she had a beautiful gift for making friends feel as though they had always belonged to the family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Bernie; her parents Amadeo Chacon and Amalia Sanchez, and Apolonio and Antonia Chavez, in-laws Salomon and Carmelita Velasquez, sons Robert, Ventura, David, son-in-law Mike Herrera, and granddaughter Lena Denetclaw. Siblings, Fernando Sanchez, Tomas (Porfiria), Leandro (Frances), and Nick (Mercedes) Chavez; brother-in-law Arnold Velasquez and sister-in-law Dulcinea Marquez.

Esther is survived by her children Pauline (Charles), Pamela (Darrell), Kathy (Juan), Salomon (Sunny), Bertha, Bernie Jr. (Lori), Jimmy, and daughter-in-law Carmen. Twenty-two grandchildren Kenneth, Ivan (Amanda), Lenore (Carmella), Kevin (Samantha), Cynthia, Melissa, Daniel, Celina (David), Michael (Camille), Jacob, Nicole (Brandon), Kimberly (Jorome), Samantha (Sam), Jessica (Colin), Darrell N. (Renee), Marcos, David, Clare, James, Joseph, and Gianna; and 15 great-grandchildren. Brothers Jake (Patty), Gene (Paula), Toby (Grace), Jerry, and sister-in-law Alice. Brother-in-laws Paul (Vivian) and Tomas Velasquez.

A special thanks to her caregivers and the Espanola Dialysis Center.

Public Visitation will be held at DeVargas Funeral home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm. 

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish in Chimayo, NM, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm, followed by Burial at the Nuestra Señora de Delores Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers are her grandsons, Ivan, Michael, Jacob, Daniel, Darrell N., Marcos, David Jose-Maria, and James.

The family of Esther Velasquez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477