Mary Rita Casaus

Mary Rita Casaus was called from this life on July 6, 2019. She was born April 24, 1934 in th evillage of Torreon, New Mexico to Hipolito Chaves and Josefita (Josie) Lobato. Before Mary was one year old the family moved to Los Ranchos e Albuquerque. The majority of her early years were spent in Albuquerque and other communities in New Mexico. With the outbreak of WWII the extended Chavez family moved to California. Following the war, Hipolito and Josie moved back to Albuquerque where in 1953 Mary was a proud graduate of Albuquerque High School. One week after graduation Mary married the love of her life, Virginio (Alex) Casaus. Although he went by Alex, he was always Virginio or "Hon" to Mary. Mary and Virginio have seven children, Michael (Terri), Debbie Garcia (Dante), Cathy Paolino (John), Gilbert (Kimberly), Matthew (Anna), William (Debbie) and Andrew. Along with her seven children Mary is survived by eleben grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Elena Ellison (Ken), Melba Silva (Joe), Greg Chavez (Judy), and Raymond Chaves (Ruth) and two sisters-in-law, Bessie and Marcella (Jay). She was known as "Aunt Mary" to numerous nieces and nephews each of whom she loved deeply.

Mary was a faithful and devoted servant of God, a member of the Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. She was a catechism teacher for many years. When first asked to teach a catechism class, Mary said that she did not know how to teach. She was quickly reminded that as a mother of seven, she had been a teacher for most of her life. She accepted the challenge to share her fait. Mary was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Altar and Rosary Society where she developed many deep and lasting friendships.

In her life she nurtured her family and was sustained by her faith. Two words that summed up Mary's life, Faith and Family. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A family visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, 6:30 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be Celebrated Thursday, July 11 2019, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org/donate