Celina Chavez Brito

Celina Chavez Brito, 90 of Ribera, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 15, 2021. Celina was born on October 17, 1930 in Encino, NM to Nicolas Paiz and Eumelia (Martinez) Paiz. Celina attended school in Encino and continued her education, attaining her Masters in Education from Eastern New Mexico University. Celina’s career was in Portales, NM as an educator until her retirement. Celina was an active parishioner at San Miguel del Vado Catholic Church. She was a member of the Altar Society and actively involved in church activities and fiestas. Celina and her late husband Joe, received the Archbishop’s Saint Francis of Assisi Award for their volunteer work with the church. Celina enjoyed crocheting, quilting, needlework and was a seamstress for her family. She also greatly enjoyed the time she spent with her family. Celina is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband; Victor Chavez, Sr., her second husband; Joseph Brito, two infant daughters; Viola and Mary Ann Chavez, her granddaughter; Juliann Chavez and her brother; George Paiz. Celina is survived by her sons; Victor (Jody) Chavez of Belton, TX, Fred Chavez of Mineral Wells, TX, Alberto (Elizabeth) Chavez of Tennessee, Joseph (Peggy) Chavez of Pintada, NM and Julian (Cathy) Chavez of Utah, her step-children; John Brito, David Brito, Danny Brito, Larry Brito and Jean Brito, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, family and friends. A rosary will be said for Celina on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 6pm at San Miguel del Vado Catholic Church in San Miguel, NM. Visitation will be from 5-6pm at the church prior to the rosary. Visitation and services for Celina will be Friday, October 22, 2021 from 8:30-9am at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Portales, NM. Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will be at 9am at St. Helen’s followed by the Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Father Francisco Carabajal. Interment will follow at Portales Cemetery with Victor Chavez, Jr., Fred Chavez, Alberto Chavez, Joseph Chavez, Julian Chavez and Nick Paiz serving as pallbearers. Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online condolence or tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.