Adelina Ernestina (Sanchez) Chavez

Adelina “Lina” E. Chavez of Aztec passed away quietly, on Thursday, June 1,  2023.  She was born November 28, 1938 to Hilario and Amalia Sanchez in La Jara, New Mexico.

She grew up in La Jara, New Mexico until her family relocated to Aztec in her teens.  On January 11, 1958 she married Abraham “Abe” Chavez at Santo Nino Catholic church in La Jara.  She was a devoted mother, wife and homemaker who raised five children.  In 1978, she received her cosmetology license and shortly after, opened Vogue Beauty Shop in Aztec New Mexico, which she operated until 1989. Lina and Abe then spent their next several years traveling to various locations around the world.

Lina Chavez was very independent and encouraged her children and grandchildren to be independent.  She was always asked to bring her chile and tortillas to family gatherings because she made “the best.” She is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest brother (Vidal Sanchez), her grandson (Elvis Hillard Jr.).  Lina is survived by her son Nicholas “Nick” Chavez and her four daughters, Ramona Hillard; Orla (Robert) Lybrook; Amalia “Molly” (Kyle) Westall; and Virgina “Jeanie” (Larry) Hatch.  Surviving her are her siblings Senaida “Sadie” Gutierrez, Mary Lovato and Abe Sanchez.  She is also survived by her only granddaughter Candice “Candi” Hillard and her grandson’s: Robert Lybrook III, Adam Hayes, Cameron Lybrook, Antonio Benson, Dylan Westall.   Lina was the proud great-grandmother of 14 beautiful children.

The rosary will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Aztec, New Mexico.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Aztec with Father Raja Yeruva as celebrant.  The internment will follow at Aztec Cemetery.

Pallbearers are: Adam Hayes, Cameron Lybrook, Antonio Benson, Dylan Westall , Reyes Hillard (great-grandson), Emillio Hillard (great-grandson).