Christine Ilene Chavez

Christine Ilene Chavez (Valdez) was born and raised in Denver, Colorado in the early hours of the New year, 1963. She was raised by her mother, Martha Valdez, and her Husband, Raymond Valdez. As a young girl, Christine attended Colfax Elementary School and grew up with her cousins and large family. She spent much time with her Uncle Nestor and her Aunt Mary in addition to her cousins, learning many life lessons, the meaning of hard work, and the importance of wisdom. Christine attended North High school in Denver, received her GED and afterwards attended Cosmetology school. Where she earned her cosmetology license and practiced hairdressing for years.

 In 1982 she met her future husband, Victor Chavez. Having recently enlisted in the Navy after high school, Victor and Christine dated for one year before they became engaged. They were married on May 13, 1983. Christine moved with Victor to San Diego, California to start their marriage and lives together. They welcomed their first child 4 years later and would go on to have two more children for a total of 3 sons: Nathan, Aaron and Seth.

After his service, Christine and Victor moved back to Denver, and established roots for their family where they would raise their children. Christine was tough and hardworking. She worked her way up and spent years working for the Rocky Mountain News in sales & collections. In addition to being a working woman, Christine was a homemaker, wife, and mother. Christine later became a kindergarten educator at Dean Elementary School and later daycare and after school care at Beth Eden Baptist School. In addition to her duties, she volunteered her time to making and serving hot lunches for BEBS.

Christine and her family moved back to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 2002, where she worked as a kindergarten educator at Mesilla Valley Christian School. After her sons graduated, she retired from teaching in 2009. After her retirement from education, Christine traveled with her Husband around the country for his job until his retirement. They had various adventures all over the country and she wouldn’t let her terminal diagnosis get her down. Christine enjoyed cooking, music, attending church, and spending time with her family. She always put others needs before her own, and was an avid dog lover having and rescuing many puppies over the years. Christine was a very selfless woman, who loved her family, and a dedicated woman of God.

Christine is survived by her husband, 3 sons, 2 Daughter-in-laws: Alyssa and Karen and 4 grandchildren: Aj, Anna, Mathias and Mona.