Margaret A. Chavez

1928-2019 Margaret A. Chavez, a lifelong resident of Belen New Mexico, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior surrounded by her loving family, Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Margaret was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. She was born on August 28, 1931 to Enrique and Maria Chavez Avila in Westwood, CA. Margaret later moved to NM where she met the love of her life, Fidel P. Silva. He loved and adored Margaret and they raised their family in Jarales. Margaret was widowed at the young age of 36 and persevered to raise 7 children and her younger brother Henry all while caring for her mother who was ill. She worked as a cook and had many jobs to provide for her family, with never a complaint. Margaret’s home was open to all and you could always expect a warm meal and to hear her encouraging words of wisdom. Her humor, smile and laughter have left an imprint on us all forever. Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Enrique and Maria Avila; her first husband, Fidel P. Silva and her late husband, Joe Chavez; sons, Barney and Robert Silva; daughter-in-law, Loretta Silva; grandsons, Fermin Gutierrez and Jacob Silva. She is survived by her brother, Henry Avila; 5 loving children, Frances Barboa (Pete), Eddie Lalo Silva (Mary Jane), Maryann Silva, Lydia Gallego (Fernando) and Dennis Silva (Kathy Giron). Margaret is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Fidel Baca, Jackie Gonzales, Leslie Leyba, Kim Martinez, Lenny Silva, Angelique Ladd, Fidel Silva, Zeke, Eric and Angelo Gabaldon, Janelle Otero, Samantha Cunningham, Rudy Gallego, Antonio Silva, Bonita Honeycutt, Sophia and Elizabeth Chavez and Louise Walker; 40 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and countless family and friends. She was the epitome of strength and love and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. 2 Timothy 4:7. All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. A viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens Pallbearers are Eddie Lalo Silva, Dennis Silva, Antonio Silva, Fidel Baca, Fernando Gallego and Zeke and Angelo Gabaldon. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kim Martinez and Bonita Honeycutt. Reception to follow at Our Lady of Belen Parish Hall. Please sign Margaret’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM

Margaret A. Chavez

August 28, 1931 - March 20, 2019