Louise Chavez

Louise Chavez, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday February 18 , 2025. 

She was born September 24, 1957, in Albuquerque, to Gabe, and Nellie Chavez. She graduated from Rio Grande High School, and began working for Smith’s Grocery Store, where she retired in 2020. She was a single mom of 3, which was no easy task, but she sacrificed everything for her children. After losing her eldest son in 2023, she dove back into that superwoman role making sure those in her life knew how much they were loved, and ensuring she was never far away. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for both her children, and then later on her grandbabies who all quickly became her entire world and was the most amazing Nana to them all. Wasn’t long before she even had nieces, nephews, and sometimes even neighborhood kids calling her Nana. I think it was her silly nature that they all seemed to love and adore. Always quick to crack a joke or have a witty comment. There was never a dull moment with her. Her laugh was contagious, and something that has been dearly missed. We can still picture her dancing around in the kitchen to Elvis Presley or sitting in front of the TV watching her Spanish Novellas she didn’t understand but loved anyway…It’s really just the little things we’ll miss the most. She had a way with people, and somehow managed to make friends anywhere she went with her larger than life personality. Her death has left a huge hole in our hearts, but as we sit and remember all the good times with her, it helps ease some of the pain. Her love for sports; cheering on her favorite teams. The shopping adventures; looking for a good sale. She enjoyed a good game of Bingo. But most of all loved being able to cheer on her kids, and grandkids in all their sport endeavors. She really was and will always be our biggest fan.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; Gabe, and Nellie Chavez, Brothers; Gabriel, and Jesse, and her son Timothy Chavez. She is survived by her Children Joseph (Kristina) Santillanes, Patricia Santillanes. Grandchildren; Gabe (Destiny) , Shaylene, Eric, Jacob, and Kobe. Sisters; Terri, Barbara, and Donna, Brother; Charles, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Louise’s wish was to be cremated and buried with her son Tim. Services will be held Monday March 24, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church. 309 Stover Ave, SW Albuquerque, NM 87102. Rosary will be held at 9:30am, with a mass to follow at 10:00a. Burial will then take place after at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A reception after the burial will be held at Iglesia Sol de Justicia Church located at 2703 Broadbent Pkwy NE Suite E Albuquerque, NM 87107.