Willie Adelino Chavez

William (Willie) A. Chavez, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on April 28 at the age of 95. Willie was born on April 12, 1928, in Willard, NM and graduated from Mountainair High School. Willie served in the US Army for two years. After returning from Germany during the Korean War, he married the love of his life, Lupe, on December 27, 1952, and moved to Albuquerque, NM where they raised four daughters. Willie attended the College of St. Joseph's on the Rio Grande, received his BS in Education, and became a teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools. After 12 years of teaching, Willie got his MA in Administration and became the principal at Chaparral ES and Sierra Vista ES, eventually retiring from Griegos Elementary School in 1986. Willie enjoyed an active social life with friends and relatives in the Knights of Columbus, golf, bowling, and spending time at the casinos. Willie was happiest outside, tinkering in his workshop, creating art and woodworking, gardening, playing with his grandchildren, and napping in his hammock. Willie was a collector of trinkets and memories and thoughtfully filled his space with treasures large and small. Above all else, Willie loved his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren enthusiastically and unconditionally. In his final years, Willie was lovingly cared for by his daughters and caregiver, Susie, for whom the family is eternally grateful.

Willie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lupe. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses; his daughters, Martha (TJ), Sandra (John), Debra, and Cynthia (Jorge); his grandchildren, Alayne (Joe), Julia (Joe), Jonathan (Coty), Brendon (Courtney), Anastasia, Christian, Phoenix, and William; as well as great-grandchildren, Dexter, Zoe, and Jack.

A memorial service will begin with the rosary, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 9:30 a.m. followed by the mass at 10:00 a.m at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.  Interment will be a private burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery.