Mary Lou Chavez

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and family matriarch, Maria Louisa Chavez, on November 20, 2025, at the age of 86. She passed peacefully at her home in Española surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.

Born on February 10, 1939, in Valencia County, Los Lunas, New Mexico, Mary Lou Chavez, born Maria Louisa Martinez was known for her boundless love, fiery personality with a “tell-it-like-it-is” attitude, and her incredible cooking skills that her family always looked forward to enjoying with her. She grew up in Los Lunas on her family farm, tending to the animals, riding horses and helping her family by grinding chile pods into rich red powder that flavored so many New Mexico homes. While living in Los Lunas she met the love of her life, Fermin Chavez. They married July 13, 1957, started a family and moved to Española, New Mexico where they shared 63 incredible years of marriage. Together, they raised a loving family and welcomed 6 wonderful children: Linda, Fermin Allen, Karen, Mark, Gary and Robert.

Throughout Mary Lou’s life she was known for her strong personality, mental fortitude, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and her fearless attitude. She had a vibrant spirit and open heart that inspired you to be strong and remain honest. She had a passion for riding horses when she was younger, going dancing and traveling the country with her husband Fermin. She was always the first to tell a joke at family outings or spend time sharing stories about her childhood growing up with her brothers and sisters. She worked at various locations throughout her life, from driving the bus for the Los Lunas school district to serving tables at the famous Matilda’s Restaurant in Española to bartending at the renowned Rancho De Chimayo Restaurant in Northern New Mexico.

In her younger years Mary Lou took an active leadership position in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Espanola Valley Eagles #3695. Where she served as the President of both the local and state chapters, traveling to national conferences and dedicating her time to supporting causes to help her community. She was an avid bowler, competing in the WIBC Championship Tournaments in Las Vegas, Seattle and Denver. She was a social butterfly that loved to talk with friends and had an outspoken demeanor. She carried herself with respect, dignity and courage to stand up for what she believed in – all traits that she passed on to her family.

She was a devote catholic and loving Wife and Mother her home was always welcoming to all who visited, and her children always had a place to rest their heads at night when they were tired. When in doubt you could always show up to her house to enjoy a hot meal of her famous beans with red or green chile cooked from scratch. Mary Lou was always proud of her family and the time she spent with them. In her final days she was able to share more memorable moments with the children she had raised throughout her 86 years of life. Her impact, life lessons and personality will always be remembered by her family who loved her deeply and whom she loved eternally.

She is survived by her sons: Fermin Allen, Mark (Isabel), and Robert “Kosh” Chavez. Former Daughter-in-laws: Debbie Chavez, Pamela Chavez, and Sadie Chavez

Siblings: Dolores (Frank) Marquez and Geraldine (Nat) Martinez

Grandchildren: Elias (Lynsy) Manzanares, Jonathan Chavez, Bryan (Alexis) Chavez, Tranquelino “Lino” (Yvonne) Manzanares, Janaisa (Daniel) Maestas, Eric Chavez, Maryssa (Adrian) Chavez, and Isaiah Chavez.

Great grandchildren: Audrey Manzanares, Franco Atencio, Patricia (Dominic) Manzanares, Desiree Jones, Gabriel (Danna) Manzanares, Taliah (Jordan) Maestas, Tilden Brown, Markia Maestas, Kaiden Maestas-Chavez, Ashley Manzanares, Ricardo Vigil, Aria Chavez, Brenden Chavez, Zakaya Maestas, Jaysiah Manzanares, Asher Chavez, Aria Chavez, Aurora “Rory” Manzanares, and Kyrie Chavez, Alyssa, Adam, Aj Peña.

Great-great grandchildren: Franco Atencio Jr., Mason Atencio, and Joriah Garcia.

She is reunited in Heaven with her husband: Fermin Chavez, Parents: Eufracio and Aurora Martinez, Siblings: Silverio Martinez, Charlie Martinez, Fela Martinez, and Mayme Gonzales. Children: Linda, Daniel, Karen, Tommy and Gary. Grandsons: Alejandro, Joshua, Manuel and Nicholas.

The pallbearers for her services will be Jonathan Chavez, Bryan Chavez, Eric Chavez, Isaiah Chavez, Gabriel Manzanares, and Jaysiah Manzanares.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who cared for Mary Lou during her life. Thank you to the Presbyterian Hospital caregivers, doctors, nurses, and the hospice team for your support, care and professionalism. Our family would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to DeVargas Funeral home for their excellent care of Mary Lou. Thank you to all the family, friends and loved ones who visited, brought food and shared memories with Mary Lou during her final days. Your love and support are greatly appreciated.

Mary Lou Chavez Leaves behind a legacy of love that will never fade. She taught us to be strong, to cherish family to live our faith and to always keep our doors and our hearts open to the ones we love.

Flowers are suggested to be delivered to DeVargas Funeral home located at the address previously mentioned.

Funeral Services will be held the same day at Santa Cruz De La Cañada Church (Holy Cross) located at South McCurdy Rd, Santa Cruz, New Mexico. The Rosary will start at 1:00 PM, followed by a Mass Church service at 2:00 PM. The procession and burial will take place after the church service at the Holy Cross Cemetery located on El Llano Rd, Espanola, NM. All who know or shared in Mary Lou’s life are welcome to attend to offer their condolences and share in the celebration of her life.