Loretta Annette Gonzales

Loretta Annette Gonzales, a devoted wife, mother, family matriarch and veteran, went home to be with our mother and our Lord Jesus on November 13, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family at her passing. She was 67 years old.

Loretta was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 28, 1958, to parents Manuel J. and Martha Chavez. Number 5 of 10 siblings, she was a graduate of Rio Grande High School, class of 1975. She attended NMSU for 2 years prior to enlisting in the US Navy, serving 3 years and achieving the rank of Yeoman 3rd class. She was honorably discharged in 1982. Loretta married the love of her life, George A. Gonzales November 8, 1980, then took on the role of toughest job in the Navy: A Navy wife. They enjoyed living in San Diego and Hawaii for several years prior to their return home to Albuquerque.

Enjoying 45 years of marriage, George and Loretta were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Leticia Jesse (Joshua), and Andrea Lucero (Emmanuel). Loretta had a very special love for her grandchildren, Christina Gonzales and Elliot Jesse. She sacrificed unapologetically for her grandchildren.

Loretta worked many places, including the US Navy, Albuquerque Underground, University of Phoenix, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Soon after her arrival, she would prove to be invaluable to any organization. She valued education and earned a BA in Business Management and 2 MAs in Education and Organizational Management. She beamed with pride when both her daughters earned their advanced degrees. Loretta is proceeded in death by her parents Manuel Chavez and Martha Driggers, brothers Michael Chavez (Nellie), Lawrence Chavez, and Donald Chavez. Her surviving siblings, Patricia Strabley, Marlene Nichols (Michael), Manuel Chavez, Jr. (Yolanda), Ronald Chavez (Miae), Catherine Chavez, and Dorothy Chavez, along with relatives in the Trujillo, Barela, Vigil, Fuentes, Gonzales, and Abeyta families will mourn her passing.

Catholic services to be held at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at 9502 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 on December 15, 2025, at 8am, followed by a reception at its Parish Hall. Loretta was a proud and dedicated member of Nativity’s chapter of the Catholic Daughters. A pilgrimage to the Colorado shrine of her favorite Saint, Mother Cabrini, will take place in the spring.