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Mabel Chavez Obituary

Mabel Barncastle Chavez, 92, lifelong resident of Las Cruces, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. Mabel was born on July 27, 1921 in Doña Ana, N.M., to Patrick and Frances Barncastle. She was a devoted wife and mother, who played a significant role in the lives of her many family members and friends. Her gift for listening with a non-judgmental and compassionate ear brought many to her home seeking guidance, comfort and advice. The Chavez home was always a gathering place for swimming or just hanging out for children and adults alike. In her younger years, Mabel was active in such social clubs as The Paisano Club, Chit n Chat, the Las Cruces Country Club Canasta group and her weekly Canasta game with a few of her closest girlfriends. Mabel took over the position of probate judge for her husband in 1956 when he left to serve in the Korean War. Then ran and served an additional term in 1960. Mabel was preceded in death by her parents Patrick and Frances Barncastle; her devoted husband of 61 years, Sammie T. Chavez; siblings, Ella Ledesma, Henrietta Whallon, Amy Palmer, Pat Barncastle and Herman Barncastle; and grandson, Dustin Burke. She is survived by sisters, Norah Camunez and Arlene Waskiewicz; and children Kathy (Dennis) Page, Karen (Ronnie) Burke, Kim (Mark) Dunbar, and Jeannine (Steff) Chavez. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Jon Burke, Kasey Page, Dawn (Tim) Dunbar Tharp, Aaron Dunbar, Kelly (Mark) Page Dana, Kris Burke; and great-grandchildren, Austin, Jayden, Alyssa, Dustie and Arley. The prayer vigil will be held Friday, March 8, 2013 at 7 p.m.. at La Paz-Grahams Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral mass will be Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 10 a.m., also at La Paz-Grahams Chapel. In lieu of flowers you may make donations to Mesilla Valley Hospice. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To sign the guest book, log on to http://www.lapaz-grahams.com/.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Mar. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Mabel Chavez

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March 17, 2013

Dear Kathy,Karen,Kimmy, Jeanine,
It's taken me days to get this out because of the flood of memories your mother's passing has brought up for me. My sister Robbie has put down so beautifully what I could not get down ....the many happy memories at the Chavez house and for so many people. Lisa, Patsy, Sherry,Betty Barbara that was my generation. I remember slumber parties on the balcony outstide one of the upstairs bedrooms..and going swimming at night were some of the things I most looked forward to during those years....And Robbie was right,your mom always was so patient with all of us or I never saw her anyway but beautiful. She always acknowledged me and I always felt like part of a big wonderful family.
I drove by the house this last Christmas so wanting to see the big white christmas tree in the window and when it wasn't there I cried. After living in Ca for so many years I still get homesick for Cruces and when I do the Chavez's are always part of what I miss....especially you, Kathy. All my prayers and love be with you ......
Sherry from La Colonia

Terri Barncastle

March 11, 2013

To my dearest Aunt Mabel; you will forever live in my heart. I will always cherish our talks into the wee hours of the mornings. With so much love your niece Terri.

Robbie Paredes

March 9, 2013

Dear Chavez girls, Kathy,Karen,Kimmey&Jeannie...your mom was a whole chapter in some of the best memories of my childhood. The pool was the highlight of our neighborhood's summer. I would often wonder how she could be sooo nice to let everybody come to swim everyday?!!! Didn't she EVER get tired of us? Nope, not Auntie Mable, her heart was as big as the whole neighborhood. Her house was so magical to me, especially sitting on the winding stairs that led up to the Queens quarters. She was so beautiful, sometimes I couldn't stop looking at her. When she looked back @ me, she would give me one of her beautiful smiles, take a drag of her elegant cigarette & continue playing Canasta. She will always be one of my fondest childhood memories. I share w/you girls the grief that comes w/the loss of your beautiful mother. She will be remembered always. Vaya Con Dios, my prayers for you are that God wrap His Peace & Comfort around you all, as you walk through this painful part of your journey. Love always, Robbie Paredes NAMASTE

Emily Paredes

March 8, 2013

To the Chavez Girls and sisters of Mabel

We were all blessed to have grown up in the neighborhood.. The cherished Memories of going swimming and playing at the house on El Pardo will be forever remembered. The best memory I have of your mom, as a little girl was seeing her at the Chit and Chat, i.e. Chitters events... Your mother's laughter and Warm smile would lighten up any room.. Her table was ready and so now She lightens up Heaven's rooms... Carry on her legacy! Her Beauty remains in all of you!

God's Peace be with you all!
Emily Paredes-Maurer and Family

March 8, 2013

Dear Chavezes, Your mom's beauty and grace lives on in all of you. I last saw her (and your dad) at my cousin Jimmy's 50th birthday party. Both of your parents were charming as always and still beautiful people. Abrazos in this difficult time. I think your parents and my dad are enjoying a nice little cena in the mas alla. John McDowell (your vecino across the alley)

Roberto carreon

March 7, 2013

A la familia de Mabel Chavez, Kim, i offer my deepest condolences n prayers @ this difficult time. Your mom was such a gracious n beautiful lady. May u celebrate her life here on earth, n her transition to our mighty God.

Margo Chavez-Charles

March 6, 2013

For all of us, Mabel was a picture of elegance and generosity. The love she had for all her family was always evident. I hope that you find comfort in that strong family love.
Love,
Margo

Denise Chávez

March 6, 2013

Dear Kathy, Karen and Kim,

Your mother was a beautiful and lovely part of my life. I loved her spirit, her style, her beauty and her generosity with those of us who were lucky enough to be family. She embraced all as well with graciousness and goodwill and will long be remembered and loved by so many.

May she rest in peace with all our Ancestors!

I am sending my love and prayers to you and the Chávez Clan.

Your prima,

Denise Chávez

aido guelfi

March 6, 2013

Sorry to here about mabel.
In my prayers be strong.

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