Constancia Roiz Chavez

She was born on May 5, 1949, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, and carried the warmth, strength, and vibrancy of her roots with her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Romulo T. Chavez; her parents, Baldomero and Zapopan Roiz; her brother, Antonio Roiz; her sister, Minerva Chaires; and her daughter-in-law, Kathryn Grass Chavez, as well as many other cherished family members including her eldest grandson Andrew’s mother Ashly Emery.

She is survived by her loving children: Connie Chavez and her husband, John Martinez, and their children, Isabella and Roiz; Hernando Romulo Chavez and his children, Andrew, Joshua, Sophia, Olivia, and Jacob; and Isaura Garcia and her husband, Jaime Garcia, and their daughters, Carolina and Camila.

She also leaves behind her brother Heriberto Roiz Reyes; sister Guillermina Roiz; brother Baldomera Roiz Reyes and his wife Monina; brother Dr. Arturo Roiz Reyes and his wife Choco; brother Rodolfo Roiz Reyes and his wife Noemi, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved her dearly.

Connie was a devoted and endlessly supportive mother, but above all else, her most cherished role was that of grandmother. Her nine grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she poured her love into them and into her many nieces and nephews.

She taught her children and grandchildren that family comes first — always — and that love, loyalty, and togetherness are life’s greatest blessings.

Connie instilled in her children a deep pride in their roots, their culture, and their heritage. She taught them to embrace who they are, celebrate their traditions, and carry their family’s values with pride wherever life takes them.

She embodied resilience. Throughout the years, she faced health challenges with courage and determination, earning the loving nickname “The Phoenix” from her daughter— because no obstacle could keep her down for long. She was a woman of grit, faith, and unwavering strength.

Connie’s life was a testament to selflessness. While raising three young children and supporting a husband who was ill, she also lovingly cared for her mother-in-law during her final days. She showed her children what it means to serve others. She believed deeply in helping when you can and lifting others whenever possible.

She never met a stranger. Connie had a rare gift — people felt instantly at ease with her. Whether in a grocery store line or at a social gathering, she formed connections effortlessly. Once, after chatting briefly with a woman she had just met at the store, the woman asked to take a picture with her before saying goodbye with a big hug. When her daughter asked who she was, Connie smiled and said, “I don’t know — we just met.” That was her magic. People were drawn to her light.

She was the life of every party, one of the first on the dance floor, and a woman whose energy and zest for life were unmatched. She celebrated others loudly and lovingly — her adult children’s biggest cheerleader, always quick with a compliment and full of pride. She adored her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law as her own.

Connie will be missed beyond words, but she leaves behind a powerful legacy: Say “I love you.” Say “thank you.” Do not wait to tell people how much they matter. Family is everything. Serve others. And when life knocks you down, rise — again and again — like the Phoenix.

Her love lives on in every life she touched.

Connie was cared for by her oncologist, Dr. Garth A. Bainart of Medical Clinic of Houston, LLP, for 15 years following her initial breast cancer diagnosis. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, the family was blessed with many additional years with her, and they are eternally grateful for the exceptional care he provided throughout her journey. In her final days, Connie had two hospital stays — a brief one at Methodist Hospital and a longer stay at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. During her time at LBJ, the family was deeply touched by the compassion, professionalism, and kindness of the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for her. Their dedication brought comfort and dignity to her final days, and the family would like to sincerely thank each of them for their extraordinary support.

A visitation will be held on February 23, 2026, from 4:00–8:30 p.m., with the rosary at 7:30 p.m., at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home (6900 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023).

The funeral service will take place on February 24, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a committal service at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Magnolia Suite at the funeral home.