Maggie Chavez

Margarita (Maggie) McKinley Chavez was born at home to Anastacia and Cristobal Chavez on September 20th, 1928 in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She was the eldest of 8 children who include: Emma Parra who is married to Marshal, Orlando who passed away at 2 years of age, Fernando Chavez who is married to Lydia, Fele Chavez who passed away in 2015 and married to Stella, Lydia Lona who is married to Ralph, Steven who passed away at 1 year of age, and Ricardo Chavez who is married to Gem. She had 11 nieces and nephews, many of whom she and Carlos were godparents to.

In 1944 when she was 16, the family moved to Los Angeles. She met Carlos Baca Chavez who was active in the US Marine Corp during WW2. He was very proud of serving his country as a Marine. They lived about 3 homes from each other, both having roots in New Mexico. Her maiden name was also Chavez. She was 19 and he was 21 when they married on October 19th, 1947 in Los Angeles.

They had 4 children, Steven Carlos born 1950, Philip Martin born 1952, Marie Elizabeth born 1955, and Sandra Jean in 1956. From these children they had 10 Grandchildren, whose names in order of birth are:

Angelica, Chrisana, Maricela, Kathleen, Magdalena, Elizabeth, Daniel, Gabriel, Eric and Sarah. They also had 8 Great Grandchildren who are Gabrielle, Alexandria, Eric, Amy, Isabel, Tristan and Levi, and There are two Great Great Grandchildren whose names are Evelyn and William.

Maggie was very involved prior to working full time with the grammar schools her children attended. She was also very crafty and love to make the glass grapes, many of whom received on as a gift. One thing that everyone will agree on is she made the best sopapillas!

Carlos, her husband of 60 years, worked for Royal Paper Box Company at age 20. He retired in early 2000 after working for 55 years. He was a hard worker, providing for his growing family so they could attend local private Catholic schools, was well liked, enjoyed his job and the people he worked for.

Maggie worked many years for Dr. Pilson who delivered many extended family members who are present today.

Maggie and Carlos lived in Los Angeles and moved to Moreno Valley in 1986. They enjoyed having their children in close proximity.

When Maggie entered heaven on December 14th, she was reunited with her loving husband of 60 years. Carlos had a big heart. He preceded her in death in 2008 at age 82. She was also reunited with her eldest daughter Marie Elizabeth, who passed away in 2011 at age 55. After this time, Maggie became the primary caregiver for her Marie’s handicap daughter Kathleen.

Maggie became ill just 3 short weeks before her passing 3 weeks ago on the afternoon of December 14th. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends and several phone calls. She was raised to Heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ with her children and family members by her side in her home.