Maria Eliza Chavez

Maria Eliza Chavez, 35, of Farmington, was called home on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Farmington. She was born June 23, 1975, in Hobbs, to Frank and Patti Chavez. Those blessed to know Maria recognized her kind, gentle heart. She loved to sing and dance and was told in junior high that she had perfect pitch. Some things that made her life so happy were singing with the San Juan College Chorus, working as a hostess at 7 Woods Restaurant and chatting on Facebook with her many friends. Although she struggled with numerous medical conditions through her short life, she seldom complained. Those who loved her strove to ensure that Maria enjoyed life to the fullest, but in the end it was we who found joy in seeing the world through Maria's eyes. "Our family mourns but Heaven rejoices, a child is in God's arms." She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather; paternal grandparents; cousin, Lisa Gabaldon; and aunt, Lo'rrianne Chavez. She joined them in their eternal home on her maternal grandfather's birthday. Maria is survived by her parents; her sisters, Monica and Tessa Chavez; her "Japanese brother-in-law," Takeshi Fujomoto; her maternal grandmother, Jeanne Luna; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Maria's "adopted family members" include her godparents; staff who cared for her; doctors who tended to her over the years; her employer; and many special friends. Maria's family cannot fully express the deepest gratitude we have for their care and concern. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 11, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2100 E. 20th St. in Farmington. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Farmington, with Father Michael Vigil and Father Ray Mahlman as celebrants. Inurnment will follow the Mass, at St. Mary's Columbarium. Urn bearers are Michael and Andrew Gabaldon. Maria loved to wear bright colors and we encourage her friends and family to honor that by wearing bright clothing. This will help us celebrate Maria's colorful life on Earth as she enters into eternal life with our loving Father. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Maria's name to The Arc of New Mexico, http://archnm.org, or The Little Sisters of the Poor, Villa Guadalupe, 1900 Mark Ave., Gallup, NM 87301. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St. Farmington, New Mexico 87401 (505) 325-8688