Mary E Chavez, former resident of Vigil, CO, passed away in Greeley, CO on April 9, 2016 at the age of 94.
She was born in Trinidad, CO, on January 19, 1922, the daughter of Estafanita and Paul Apodaca.
Mary was a 1941 graduate of Trinidad High School and attended Trinidad State Junior College and University of Colorado in Boulder CO., receiving her degree in teaching.
She began her teaching career in Torres, CO, as the first teacher to open the newly built two room school. Mary and the family lived next to the school. When it closed, she moved to another two room school in Vigil. Later Mary taught in Weston CO , until retiring after a 17 year teaching career.
On August 23, 1947, Mary was united in marriage to Joe Floyd Chavez. Floyd built their house in Vigil where they lived for many years.
Mary was a devoted Wife and loving Mother. She was able to teach and raise her family at the same time. She was gentle but strong and was able to see any situation from different points of view.
Once her children were grown, Mary continued to stay active. She attended art classes and painted many pictures. Some of them were entered in the Las Animas County Fair, winning various awards and ribbons.
She was very active in San Isidro Catholic Church where she organized and coordinated many fundraisers. Mary was a strong advocate for keeping the mission church open. She also was active in the choir for many years. She was a woman of strong faith and love for the Lord her entire life.
Mary was also involved in the political arena for many years serving as an Election Judge.
For eleven years, Mary lived in Greeley and then returned to Trinidad where she resided at the Corazon Square and then the Trinidad Inn Nursing Home. While a resident there, she represented the Trinidad Inn in Governor Ritter’s office. She served as the President of the Resident Council of the Trinidad Inn and in Greeley. Mary also was the 2008 Trinidad Inn’s Silver Queen Representative at the Colorado State Fair.
In 2013, Mary returned to Greeley and resided at the Good Samaritan Society, Bonell Community until her passing.
Preceding her in death are parents, husband Joe Floyd Chavez and son Glen Floyd Chavez.
She is survived by daughter Pat L. (Marino) Montoya, grandchildren, Marco C. (Ashley) Montoya, Dominic P. (Jenna) Montoya, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4PM-7PM at the Comi Chapel.
Funeral Services will be Friday, April 15, 20126 with Rosary at 9AM at Comi Chapel followed by the Funeral Mass at 10AM at Sebastiani Gym.
Interment with Rite of Committal will follow at the Vigil Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are Robert Apodaca, Lee Apodaca, Calvin Chavez, Troy Chavez, Jack Chavez, and Brian Chavez.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
