Celina Estela Silva

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Celina Estela Silva. Born on June 3, 1927, Celina peacefully departed this life on April 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Celina was born to parents, Alejandro and Carolina Chavez and raised in Pinos Wells, New Mexico. She was the eldest of eight children and served as a mother figure to her younger siblings. She was also a caregiver to her aunt Emilia (Mila) and uncle Candelario (Lalo) Perea in their elder age even after leaving the ranching community and moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1947.

Celina was not only a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend but also the cornerstone of her family. She offered unwavering support and guidance to all who were around her. She fully dedicated herself to her five children and their well-being and worked tirelessly at the first Furr's Cafeteria on San Pedro & Central in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she served as a server and food prep professional.

Celina was also a devout Catholic who found solace and joy in attending mass regularly. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, providing her with comfort and strength. Additionally, she had a passion for dancing and listening to Spanish music. Overall, Celina's greatest joy came from being surrounded by her family. Whether visiting, cooking meals, or simply making a phone call to check in, she cherished every moment spent together. Her family brought her immense happiness and love, making memories that she held dear year after year.

Celina is survived by her loving family: her son, Frank Gallegos and his wife, Lavern Gallegos; her daughters, Elizabeth Sharp and her husband, Mark Sharp, Juanita Jacobson and her husband, Steve Jacobson, and Dianna Sanchez and her husband, Don Sanchez. She is also remembered by her stepchildren, Modesto (Tito) Ortega Jr. and his wife, Mimi Ortega, Alex Ortega and his wife, Loretta Ortega, and Rita Martinez and her husband, Rob Martinez; grandchildren, David Trujeque and his wife, Christina Trujeque, Kathleen Stanton and her husband, Kelly Stanton, Amanda Cordova and her husband, Francisco Cordova, Delainey Gallegos, Jason Sharp and his wife, Lisa Sharp, Zac Sharp and his wife, Vanessa Sharp, Santiago DeMars, Celina Mattice and her husband, Jess Mattice, Michael Sanchez and his husband, Steve Gurule, and Kristin Sanchez and her fiancé, Gianni Bellini; step-grandchildren, Jamie Ortega, Nicholas Ortega, Alejandro Ortega, Marcella Fort, Carlos Ortega, Matthew Martinez, and Leesha Martinez; and her many great and great-great-grandchildren. Celina is also survived by her brother, Pete Chavez and his wife, Lindell Chavez; and her sister, Mary Barros and her husband, Jimmy Barros.

Celina's journey is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clory J. Silva; her parents, Alejandro and Carolina; her three sisters, Marcella Ortega, Matilde (Tillie) Madrid, and Celestina (Sally) Madrid; her two brothers, Alex Chavez and Gilbert Chavez; her daughter, Theresa Gallegos; and stepdaughter, Ramona Ortega.

A Catholic rosary and mass will be recited Thursday, May 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, located at 1502 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. The interment of ashes will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 12:00 p.m., located at 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Celina's celebration of life/reception will follow at the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Hall in Rio Rancho, NM at 1:00 p.m., located at 1502 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

Celina's spirit now rests with God, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that will continue to inspire generations to come. May she rest in eternal peace.