Veronica Chagnon

Veronica Chagnon, 69, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Veronica is survived and missed by her loving husband David Chagnon; daughter Kyla and her husband Christopher; grandchildren: Harlow, Zoe Rory; brothers: Manny Esparza, Jr. and his wife Annette, Sam Esparza and his wife Christy; Godson; nephews: Matthew Esparza and his wife Theresa Sammy, Jr., Erik; and many, many friends, loved ones, previous students, and coworkers.

Wife. Mother. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Educator. Caregiver. These are the important roles Veronica filled during her lifetime.

From an early age Veronica stepped into her role as caregiver during her own mother’s illness and eventual passing, caring for her two younger brothers and assisting her father with all things household related.

Later, she met and married the love of her life, David and began a family of her own-giving birth to first Kyla, followed by Keith five years later. Veronica did everything possible to ensure her family had everything they needed with love and encouragement. She was the linchpin—keeping homework and academics on track, ensuring healthy meals were always on the table (eat your fruit!), uniforms prepped for school and sports, the Dodge Caravan fueled and ready for the daily circuit of after-school drop-offs and pick-ups, and books stacked at the bedside for nightly reading before lights out. Together with Dave, Veronica instilled the meaning of family, togetherness and unwavering, unconditional love.

Prior to moving to Albuquerque to work at Mt. Bell Telephone, Veronica attended UTEP and worked towards a degree in Elementary education, an endeavor she did not complete, but never lost the love for. During Keith and Kyla’s elementary and middle school years Veronica poured herself into Queen of Heaven School- first as a volunteer, and eventually as a teaching assistant. This was a space where Veronica was able to return to her love for elementary education. Queen of Heaven was a place where she thrived and achieved greatest fulfillment. She immensely enjoyed working with students, especially in the area of reading. She spent many hours after school tutoring and preparing lessons. Here, her cup was full. And the students loved “Miss Verwonica” too. To this day small clay bowls and other trinkets can be found here and there throughout the house between her many potted plants- gifts given to her decades ago by her students in appreciation for her patience and dedication to their academic success. She remembered the names of each young artist, often telling her favorite endearing (and often funny) story about them and how special they were to her.

Veronica forged the fiercest of friendships during her time at Queen of Heaven for she was not alone in her dedication to the educational success and love of children. Her “Yaya’s” as she lovingly called them, were her close circle of friends whose friendship and connection lasted much longer than their time together at Queen of Heaven.

When her time at Queen of Heaven came to an end, Veronica set her sights on helping high school students closer to home at Cibola High School. There she assisted in the 11th grade administration and bus scheduling where she came to know many students who walked through their office doors. Special connections were made and many students came back to visit her well beyond their junior year.

For the last ~15 years Veronica cared for her aging father-in-law, “Pep”, and father Manuel, Sr., frequently making trips back and forth from Albuquerque to El Paso to ensure they attended all their appointments, kept up with their medications, and occasional outings to lunch at Olive Garden or the Lunch Box. She did her best to ensure their health needs were met, while also managing her own increasing health complications and difficulties.

Despite the stress and increasing concern of her own health and those close to her, Veronica found joy in spending time with her family. Walks along the Bosque or a Harley ride with Dave through the Jemez in the fall with orange leaves lining the highway, helping Keith clean up the kitchen after baking another tasty batch of biscochitos- a recipe he mastered over the years, or tending to her plants, both inside and outside-which thrived under her care, were among her favorite things to do . The dining room at the house has been officially taken over by many potted plants- big and small - with only 3 spots at the dining room table available for a place setting because her beautiful bonsai and crown of thorns love the light that spills across the table in the other spots. “They like it there!” she would say.

Perhaps Veronica’s most precious love came with the title of Mimi. April 2011 Veronica became Mimi with the birth of her first grandchild, Harlow. Grandbabies two and three shortly followed, Zoe and Rory. Veronica’s love multiplied to impossible heights with each. To say that Mimi loves her munchkins is an understatement. She came to visit multiple times a season, making sure to plan her trips year after year to encompass birthdays, holidays, first and last days of school, recital performances, awards ceremonies and sporting events. Small moments, however, were her favorite- cuddling on the couch, reading at bedtime, walks to the park hand in hand, dance parties in the kitchen while making dinner.

Her entire life Veronica cared for those around her, often putting herself second. Despite difficult times plagued with sadness, disappointments, setbacks and challenges, she remained optimistic and positive, pouring her heart and love into every situation. She saw the good, found the silver lining, drowning out the pain with unconditional love. Until her last breath she fell back on the things she knew she could rely on- her faith and her family.

We will cherish the moments shared with our Ronnie. Our Mrs. Chagnon. Our Mimi. Our Mom. Our “Miss Verwonica”. Moments that bring about a smile, a laugh, some tears, a feeling of hope and also resilience - reminders to love BIG and always find the good.

A visitation for Veronica will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 5:30pm at Salazar Mortuary, located at 400 Third St SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102. Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. The celebration of Veronica's life will continue on Friday, June 6, 2025, with a Mass at 9:00 am at The Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, located at 3424 4th Street Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Graveside service will be held at 10:30am at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, located at 7999 Wyoming Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, 87109. Lastly, following the graveside a gathering will take place back at The Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church Parish Hall, providing an opportunity for family and friends to share their memories, stories, and love for Veronica.

The family wishes that instead of sending flowers, donations be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico.