Lydia Chavez

Lydia Chavez (Flores),89 years old, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

She was born in Carrizozo, New Mexico to Daniel B. and Simodosea L.Chavez. She attended Santa Rita Catholic School in Carrizozo, New Mexico. She was very proud of being a good student and would often speak of getting lots of dimes from her father for every A on her report card. She enjoyed acting in school plays and learning to play the piano as a child. 

As a teenager Lydia was active in the Santa Rita Catholic Church where she played the organ and sang in the church choir. Her favorite hymns were Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. She was a devout practicing Catholic all of her life. She was a member of Queen of Heaven and then Holy Ghost Parish in Albuquerque.

When she graduated from high school, she moved to Albuquerque to attend Business College. After she completed the program of study, she took the federal civil service exam and was hired at Sandia Base by the Department of Defense in the Defense Nuclear Agency. She had the highest level of security clearance which she simply called “Top Secret”. She was proud of her service to her country and felt that she did her part to keep our country safe. She worked at Sandia Base for 42 years before she retired.

Lydia loved life and never took anything for granted. She grew up during the Depression and World War II. She had many stories to tell about rationing of clothes and especially candy. Oh, she loved candy, especially chocolate.

In her late 20’s Lydia fell in love and married Bill Flores. Tragically after five and a half months Bill died. She never remarried and had no children. She loved children and they loved her. One nephew remembers her telling him not to slouch, to walk proud like a penguin.  To this day he walks proud and remembers Aunt Lydia.

She was the oldest of seven children and often took the role of Matriarch. She loved music and dancing and spending holidays with her big Hispanic family, joking and teasing and sometimes being the brunt of the joke. She had a great sense of humor and could take the teasing and dish it out as well.

Lydia was a proper Lady. Good manners were very important to her. When in doubt she pulled out her Emily Post book to be sure what the socially acceptable protocol was.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill Flores, and her brother Charles R. Chavez.

She is survived by her siblings: Cecilia Casaus, Rudy Chavez (Tillie Garcia), Gilbert Chavez (Mary Johnson), Patricia Chavez (Essel Baca), Joseph Chavez (Loretta Chavez), also many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private mass and interment will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020. Mass will begin at 9:00am. The Graveside Service will begin at 10:00 am.  The Mass and Graveside Service will be livestreamed on Reflections' Facebook page. You DO NOT need to have a Facebook account to view the services. Please click the links below at the scheduled time.

 A memorial mass and celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Joy Junction in Lydia's name. you can mail in your donation to PO Box 26568, Albuquerque, NM 87125 or at the link provided below.

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