Lydia Chavez

Lydia Chavez, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and a devoted member of her community, passed away peacefully at her residence on March 14, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Born on August 9, 1937, in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, Lydia was the beloved daughter of the late Pablo and Eloisa (Fajardo) Romero.

Lydia’s early years were spent in Santa Rosa, where she attended school and laid the foundation for a life characterized by warmth and dedication. On June 6, 1957, she married Wilfred Chavez, embarking on a lifelong partnership marked by deep love and mutual respect. Together, they raised a large family, nurturing values of kindness and resilience.

Throughout her working years, Lydia held positions as a maid at the Tower Motel and as a waitress at Jack's Cafe. Though her roles demanded hard work and commitment, what she treasured most was the time she spent babysitting her grandchildren—a role through which she expressed her loving nature and generous heart.

A faithful parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Lydia found strength and solace in her faith, actively participating in the spiritual life of her community.

Lydia is lovingly remembered by her husband, Wilfred Chavez, and their children: Albert Chavez and his wife Susie; Ricky Chavez and his wife Joan; Polly Chavez; Bobby Chavez and his wife Frances; and Cordelia Chavez and her husband Dennis. She was also a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren, and a great-grandmother to twenty-six great-grandchildren, as well as a great-great-grandmother to eight. Her siblings who survive her include Johnny Romero and his wife Fern; Toni Padilla; and Kathy Garcia and her husband Eddie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pablo and Eloisa Romero, her great-granddaughter Andrea Chavez, and her siblings Pete Romero, Santiago Romero, Albert Lee Romero, and Sinforas Romero.

Services are pending and will be announced when finalized.

Interment of cremains will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery with Christopher Baca, Matthew Baca, Pablo Chavez, Eli Chavez, Eloisa Chavez, Andrew Chavez, II, Yvonne Chavez, Sean Sanchez Chavez, Brian Chavez and Nicole Chavez Lucero serving as Urn Bearers.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.

Lydia Chavez will be remembered as a very loving person, with a big heart, who enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her enduring legacy of love, faith, and family devotion stands as a testament to a life well-lived and deeply cherished.