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TOM, Age 79, is now Safe and Well in the Arms of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He left this world while sleeping peacefully in his home after suffering from heart and kidney failure for the last two and a half years. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 5, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ascension and Josephita; as well as his sisters, Eleanor and Fernanda; and brother Ascension Jr., Chavez. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Theresa (Tessie); and their five children, Tommy (Jody), Theresa, Kathy (Keith Beckwith), Gerry, and Michael Chavez; grandchildren, Cristen (Trey Smith), Erin, Brianna, Cory, Joshua, Nicolas, Steffen and Katie Chavez; great-grandchildren, Maya, Elana and Ayden Thomas Chavez; as well as his faithful dog, "Buttons." Tom worked and retired from Smiths Grocery Store after 32 years. After that, he was employed by APS, where he worked as a Bilingual Aid and Community Liasion for many more years. During this time, Tom was an involved and dedicated Parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He worked at the Monday Night Bingos and mopped Floors to help send all his children to St. Charles Catholic School. In 1975, he along with his good friend, Leroy Casias (now deceased), formed The St. Charles Spanish Choir. He served as Director for 25 years. During this time, he helped the choir to produce a very successful record album of Spanish hymns. Tom's love for Our Lady of Guadalupe contributed to the success of her much anticipated Feast Day with a Choral Celebratory Mass and Fiesta afterwards at the church. Because one of his passions was singing, he was also a member of the All City Choir, as well as La Rondalla de Albuquerque. Tom's biggest attribute was his BIG HEART. This led him to his True Calling, which was to serve the poor and the homeless. This calling sent him all over Albuquerque for 18 years helping people with food, warm clothing and blankets. Tom loved helping people, music and singing. He lived his life with Integrity, Passion and Courage. A Rosary will be recited by his cousin, Deacon Leroy Sanchez, on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at St.Charles Church. The Funeral Mass is scheduled on Tuesday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. at the same church with Graveside Services following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Albuquerque. Tom's care has been entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home, Albuquerque 505.764.9663. Vaya con DiosTom, Dad, Papo Buttons. We Love You and shall miss you. Until we Meet you again in heaven, your memory will live on. Your loving Familia. The Chavez Family wishes to thank all who have been a part of Tom's living and dying; his relatives, friends, Doctors (especially Dr. Sedas), Juan, Mohamed, and Christina from Ambercare Hospice, and all who had a special place in Tom's heart. God Bless you all.
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