Bertha A Chavez
(September 28, 1921 – August 27, 2013)
Bertha A. Chavez passed peacefully from this life on the morning of Tuesday, August 27, 2013 in Albuquerque, NM after a sudden illness. Bertha was surrounded by her loving family during the last days of her life. Bertha was born Bersabe Angelica Herrera on September 28, 1921 in Springer, New Mexico to the late David Herrera and Paublita Medina Herrera. She was a 1939 graduate of Springer High School. She was married to Bences Chavez of Heck Canyon, NM on May 10, 1941 and they made their home in Springer. They had three children, Martha Louise, David Bences and Maria Consuelo.
Bertha was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, NM and a member of St. Joseph’s Altar Society, an original member of Legion of Mary from its inception in 1989 and was an active choir member for many years. She sang at funerals, weddings, funcions and many other occasions. Bertha was a homemaker and after the death of her husband worked as a teacher’s aide for the Springer Municipal Schools in the Headstart Program. She also worked for the Santa Fe Trail Museum as curator for several years after retirement.
In her later years, wheelchair bound, Bertha still remained active attending all church functions and enjoying going out to local restaurants with her daughter and caregiver Consuelo. Bertha is survived by daughter Martha Santistevan and husband Joe; daughter Maria Consuelo Chavez of Springer, NM. Daughter-in-law Michaeleen Chavez of Raton, NM; granddaughter Serena Santistevan-Roy and husband Anthony of Lakewood, WA; granddaugther Marcella Sullivan and husband Tony of Goldsboro, NC; grandson Eric Chavez of Raton, NM; Great-granddaughters Jessica and Megan Sullivan of Goldsboro, NC and numerous nieces and nephews and friends; Bertha is also survived by brother Florencio D. Valdez and wife Phyllis of Castle Rock, CO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Carlos H. Valdez; husband, Bences in 1974; son David Chavez; grandsons Joey, Gregory and Gabriel Santistevan; sister Clara Mackey, and nephew Arthur Valdez.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be held on Friday August 30th at 9:00am at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, New Mexico recited by the Legion of Mary. Solemn Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10:00am with Father Izuka as the celebrant. Rite of Committal and Interment will be at the Springer Cemetery.
Arrangements for Bertha A. Chavez are under the care of the Alderette Pomeroy Funeral Home of Raton.
