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CHAVEZ -- Mary L. Chavez, 92 years young, a resident of Albuquerque, passed into the Lord's hands on Tuesday, September 11, 2007. Mary is survived by her two children, Bernie and Elaine; her son-in-law, Tom DeLand; her sister, Thelma Fischer; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was one of five children born in Winslow, AZ on October 4, 1914 to Guadalupe and Santa Cruz Leal. Although Mary did not finish high school, she had a PhD in life. She received her GED so she could obtain her beautician's license. She successfully owned and operated her own beauty shop in Gallup. Mary fell in love and married John Hudson Chavez on September 9, 1939 in Gallup. After giving birth to her son, Bernie, she gave up her beauty shop so she could raise him. With Mary, family always came first. Mary Chavez accomplished so many things in her life--first and foremost she was a great wife and wonderful Mother. In addition to the beauty shop, she owned and operated a restaurant. Although extremely busy, she became President of the PTA, owned and managed several apartments, worked as a waitress, ran a concession on Sundays for her husband's Gamerco Miners baseball club. She cared for her Mother for several years until she passed away. Mary lovingly raised her two children Bernie and Elaine, who never knew a babysitter. These accomplishments were just the tip of the iceberg. Mary often wondered how she did it all, as do her children. Although they hated leaving Gallup and all of their friends there, Mary and Hudson moved to Albuquerque in 1991. Mary missed her friends in Gallup but knew moving to Albuquerque was really a good decision. She immediately established many good friends in her little community of Towne Park. Mary was a Christian and loved her new church--Temple Baptist. Mary lost her husband, Hudson Chavez, on March 6, 2003. So at the age of 87, she decided to buy a new and larger house so her son, Bernie, could move in with her. Bernie took good care of his Mom for five years. Her daughter and son-in-law, Elaine, and Tom DeLand moved to Albuquerque from San Francisco, CA in 2005 to help care for Mary and to be close to her as she advanced in age. Everyone who met Mary loved her. She was always ready to listen to anyone's problems and did not hesitate to give her advice, which was always "right on". Mary had a big heart and returned her love to everyone she met. She rarely said no to any request made of her. Mary will be missed by all her friends and acquaintances, but no one will miss her more than her children, Bernie and Elaine. She was their Rock of Gibraltar. A Memorial Service for Mary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at the Temple Baptist Church, 1613 Arizona NE, Albuquerque, NM. Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87103 (505) 821-0010
        Published on: Thu September 13, 2007