Elsie Emma"" Chavez

Elsie Emma Padilla Chavez, 81, of Aztec, died on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, in Farmington. She was born Feb. 4, 1930, in Rosa, N.M., to Eloisa Marquez Padilla and Juan Padilla. Emma lived a life joyfully committed to God, family, friends and community. She was active in the Catholic churches of San Juan County and was active with helping the poor and student education scholarships. She was a member in the Pioneer Families of Aztec, Aztec Museum Committee, San Juan County Fair and Postal Workers of America. She supported the state and local political action committees of her choice, Aztec Women's Club and the church choir. She worked 22 years in the Aztec Post Office and 3 years at Safeway stores. When not helping the community, the rest of her time was devoted to 64 years of marriage, five children, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She loved her family, church, prayer, sewing, cooking, homemade breads and fabulous desserts.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and sons, John Chavez and Michael Chavez.
She is survived by her husband, Claudio F. Chavez' sons, Caesar F. Chavez; Isadore Chavez and his wife, Yvonne; daughters, Maria Chavez Saiz and her husband, Johnn, Arlene Chavez Blackwood and her husband, Max, and Patricia Chavez Smith and her husband, John; sister Priscilla Padilla; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan Village, Tawni and Brady Gillen and all the caregivers and loved ones who have helped her throughout her life. Father Thomas will be the celebrant. Pallbearers are Jacob Saiz, Devon Chavez, Joseph Blackwood, Joshua Blackwood, Johnathon Smith and Ryan Smith.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Catholic Poor Fund, or the Aztec Museum, 125 N. Main Ave. Aztec, NM 87410
Arrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave., (505) 334-9332.