It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Virginia Maria Chavez, who passed away on Jan. 10, 2024, at the age of 70 surrounded by her devoted and loving family. Virgie, as she was fondly known, was born on Feb. 9, 1953, in La Florida to Jose T. and Angelina Chavez. Virginia was a loving sister, aunt, Nena and friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.
Virginia was a graduate of Centauri High School, and was a Head Start Teacher and Early Childhood Educator touching the lives of many children throughout her career. Even after she retired, she never stopped being a teacher.
Virginia was well known in her community and often visited friends and family. She was loving and caring and in a very special way could brighten your day. She felt an obligation to visit friends and family who were sick or just needed someone to cheer them up. Her smile was contagious and she had a beautiful voice. She loved calling her family and friends to sing “Los Dias” on New Years and “Alavados” during Holy Week.
Virginia was a very faithful person and took pride in the societies she was a part of. She was a member of Los Penitentes de Lobatos y San Antonio, and also a member of the Legion of Mary Auxiliary. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Antonito. We have heard so many stories from friends and family about how she touched their lives. As a family we vow to continue the things she loved most through the traditions she practiced, celebrating how she inspired and uplifted those around her.
She is survived by her siblings, Joe, James (Roberta), Donald (Julia), Jeanette (Salvador) Sandoval, Margie (Larry) Beerer, Aron, Adolph, Michael (Betty), Laura (Brad) Quinlan and Robert “Bobby” (Sharon). She also leaves behind a large extended family of 26 nieces and nephews, 37 great-nieces and nephews, 15 great-great-nieces and nephews, and many cousins and friends. She had a special bond with her Aunt Rosemary Acosta and her Uncle Bonifacio Duran (Dolores) who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jose and Angelina Chavez, her sisters in law Vickie and Jackie, her nephew Ryan, her niece Melissa, and her paternal and maternal grandparents.
A rosary will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Conejos. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. also at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Conejos. Her final resting place will be at La Florida/Lobatos Cemetery.
The Chavez family would like to extend a sincere thank you to family and friends who helped care for Virginia during her battle with cancer. For all those who visited her, prayed with her, or provided a meal we will forever be grateful.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
