FABIAN CHAVEZ Obituary

FABIAN CHAVEZ, JR. August 31, 1924-January 20, 2013 Fabian Chavez, Jr. departed this earth at 5:20am on January 20, 2013 to join his beloved wife, Coral Jeanne who died in 2006. He died peacefully with his daughter Christine and other family at his side following a brief illness. Fabian was born in Santa Fe, August 31, 1924 into a family that already had three sons and four daughters, and was blessed with three more children after Fabian. Fabian attended St. Francis Parochial School, Santa Fe High School, and studied at St. Michael's College and the University of New Mexico. He learned early from his father the importance of public service. Fabian's contribution to New Mexico was eloquently summed up when he was named a Santa Fe Living Treasure in 2008. "As much as any person in modern New Mexico history, and far more than almost anyone else, Fabian Chavez, Jr. has worked to guide, shape and change our state-and always changed it for the better." Fabian Chavez gets credit for many accomplishments, but all of his dedicated service to the state was inspired by his bedrock belief in the faith of his father and the love of his family. Following Coral Jeanne's death and his retirement from his many public positions, he could be found at St. Francis Cathedral serving as a Cathedral docent, greeting the many visitors who came there and responding to their many questions about the Cathedral and about New Mexico and Santa Fe in general. They did not realize what a "special tour guide" they had! Fabian was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Coral Jeanne; his parents Fabian Chavez, Sr. and Nicolosa Roybal Chavez, as well as his brothers and sisters: Fray Angelico Chavez, Martha Matt, the twins Romualdo Eugenio (Cuate') and Nora Chavez, Adela Montoya, Consuelo Gorski, and Francisco Eugenio Chavez. He is survived by his beloved daughter Christine J. Chavez Barrett of Scottsdale, Arizona; two granddaughters, Lyna Jeanne Montes and husband Ricky of Sandia Park, NM and Kelly Annette Tyler and husband Ken of Scottsdale, AZ; 9 great grandchildren; two brothers, Judge Antonio E. and wife Marilyn Chavez of Las Cruces, NM and Jose A.C. and wife Bernice Chavez of Santa Fe, NM and sister Clara and husband Allen Bletz of Rio Rancho, NM; his much-loved nephews and nieces; and countless other dear relatives and friends. A memorial for Fabian Chavez will be held in the Rotunda at the NM State Capitol on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013 from 3pm to 5pm in order to visit with the family and share stories celebrating Fabian's amazing life. A Rosary will be held Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013 at St Francis Cathedral Basilica beginning at 7:00pm. On Thursday, January 24th, 2013 the Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00am at St Francis Cathedral Basilica. The burial will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, January 25th, 2013 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Ponce de Leon Independent Living, 640 Alta Vista, Santa Fe, NM 87505 or PMS Hospice, 1400 Chama Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505. Arrangements by Berardinelli Memorial Chapel Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)984-8600 Please sign our guestbook for the family at: www.berardinellifuneralhome.com