Barbara Lithgow Chavez

Barbara Lithgow Chavez, a beloved wife, mother, and cherished friend, passed away on February 20, 2026, just ten days after her 77th birthday. She was born on February 10, 1949, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, Josephine and Clarence V. Lithgow. Barbara grew up in Santa Fe and graduated from Santa Fe High School. On January 20, 1970, she married her love, Michael Chavez, and together they built a home filled with love and a welcoming spirit that touched the hearts of all who entered. Their marriage brought forth two children - her son, Mark Chavez, and her late daughter, Gina Chavez.

Barbara dedicated much of her professional life to public service, and utilized her skills in both secretarial and administrative support roles across various state divisions for the State of New Mexico. She was known for her quiet competence, dependability, and genuine warmth in which she extended to her colleagues and the people she served.

Outside of her career, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She possessed a natural gift for bringing people together, whether gathered around her dinner table or just relaxing with her loved ones at home. Her gatherings were filled with good food, laughter, and the kind of heartfelt hospitality that made her guests feel truly at home. A devoted animal lover, Barbara held a special place in her heart for dogs and was blessed with the loyal companionship of many beloved canine friends throughout her life.

Barbara had a love for Southern California and it was a place that held a special magic for her. She delighted in the wonder and joy of Disneyland, returning time and again with the same sense of excitement and happiness that the park inspired in her since the first time she visited. One of her cherished traditions at the park was attending the flag retreat ceremony, a moving and patriotic end-of-day ritual that held a special place in her heart and spoke to her deep sense of pride and reverence. She was equally at home along the sun-soaked shores of Huntington Beach, where she cherished the hours by the ocean, feeling the warmth of the California sun, and watching with delight as surfers rode the waves along the beautiful coastline. Southern California was her happy place, and her fondness for it spoke to her joyful and adventurous spirit.

Barbara spent the first half of her life in Santa Fe before later making her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she continued to embrace each day with the same joy and warmth that she was known for. Barbara is survived by her husband, Michael Chavez; her son, Mark Chavez; her four sisters, Rita Padilla, Trudy Padilla, Hilda Ripley, and Dolores Padilla Remaly; and her aunt, Alice Gurule. She was preceded in death by her beloved aunt and caregiver, Josephine Lithgow; her uncle, Clarence V. Lithgow; her sister, Bernadette Lithgow; and her daughter, Gina Chavez.

Barbara Lithgow Chavez leaves behind a legacy of love, devoted service, and gracious hospitality. She was a woman who made every part of her world a little brighter and she will be deeply and dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Funeral services will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Barbara's ashes will be laid to rest with honor alongside her daughter, Gina Chavez, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on March 27, 2026 at 2:30 pm