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Lucille C. Silva, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away at her home on November 12, 2005. Daughter of Rose L. Hill and Alfredo Chavez, Lucille was born on a train steaming its way toward Albuquerque across the llano of Laguna Pueblo on a snowy night 83 years ago. Growing up in Barelas during the Great Depression, Lucille learned at an early age that hard work, determination and a positive attitude would be the values that would shape and guide her life. Before she was a teenager she had picked cotton, fruit and vegetables alongside her mother to help make ends meet. As a 10 year old, Lucille worked one summer sweeping and mopping up a dance hall downtown. Fascinated by the smooth moves of the dancers, Lucille practiced their steps and began her lifelong love of dance. Soon she was performing all over town doing the Jarabe, Chiapanecas and any and every dance she could learn. At a social dance in Barelas she was impressed by a handsome soldier named Jerry Silva and before the year was over, she and Jerry were married on December 7, 1941. Of course, the young couple did not know that this date would live in infamy. Jerry was soon on the battlefields of France and Germany and would not return for two years. It was during this time that she began her 30 year career as a grocery checker. Her vivacious personality, bright smile and sharp sense of humor drew people to her. As a full-time working mother, Lucille raised her three children, cared for her ailing mother, and was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish. Widowed at an early age, her indomitable spirit provided Lucille the strength to fully live the second half of her life. She earned her GED at 70, performed in community theatre, led wedding marchas, and with her friend, Norman Austgen, entertained and cheered up children in hospitals and elderly patients in rest homes as an Elks Club clown. At senior centers she comforted those older and in poor health. She called bingo, baked the world's best biscochitos and made candy for every occasion and for all her friends at church, at the casinos, and the drivers that took her and her friends on the "Joy Rides" that she loved. Lucille loved and collected dolls, coins and talking chihuahuas. Above all, she loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her friends that she considered her extended family. Lucille's birth name was Maria de la Luz and her powerful "Luz" - her bright light - will always remain a shining memory in our hearts. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry and her brother, Orlando Chavez. She is survived by her brothers, Fred Chavez, Jr. and Edwin G. Chavez; her children, Jerry and wife, Lollie, Liz Gallegos and Stan Otis, Geno and wife, Pam; her grandchildren, Joseph Gallegos, Dianne Perea and husband, Mark, Kimberlee Vigil and husband, John, Lucia Silva; her great-grandchildren, Dominic, Isaac, Derrick, Jeremy, Sarah, Skye, Johnny, Andrew, and Antonio; and former son-in-law, Joe F. Gallegos. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road NE.
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