Sofia Yvette Chavez

Sofia Y. Chavez

Sunrise - May 14, 1972 | Sunset, January 4, 2026

Sofia, a current resident of Velarde, NM, went to rest on January 4, 2026. She was born in Española on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1972, to Arlene and Johnny Chavez. Raised on the west side of Española, Sofia graduated from Española Valley High School in 1990 and later attended New Mexico State University, where she became a proud, lifelong Aggie.

Sofia dedicated 27 years of her life to Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she was known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and the meaningful friendships she formed throughout her career. More than her profession, Sofia was known for the light she carried with her wherever she went. She had a natural ability to make people feel seen and welcomed, greeting everyone with genuine kindness, her beautiful smile, and her signature rosy cheeks.

Through life’s challenges, Sofia showed remarkable strength and a determined spirit that never gave up. She loved music, dancing, and attending concerts, and she lived life with joy and enthusiasm. Sofia made friends easily—at school, at work, and in everyday moments—and many of those friendships became lifelong. Above all else, she loved her family and friends deeply and unconditionally. Her warmth, laughter, and loving spirit will be deeply missed, but the love she shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family is deeply grateful to everyone who visited, called, prayed, and offered comfort and kindness during Sofia’s final days.

Sofia was preceded in death by her father, Johnny Chavez; maternal grandparents Refugio Montoya and Mariano Romero; paternal grandmother Adelina Chavez; her special uncle Raymond “Momo” Montoya; Mariano Romero Jr.; Macedonia Blea; Margaret Sanchez; Gloria Martinez; Herman Romero; and her padrino, Pablo Garcia Jr.

She is survived by her soulmate, Donald Lopez; her mother, Arlene Chavez; her brother, Manny Chavez; her sister, Anita CdeBaca (Joaquin); her cousin, Victoria Montoya; her stepdaughter, Francine Lopez; her mother-in-law, Lorraine Lopez; sister-in-law Char Arias (Mike); her aunts Orfa Garcia (madrina), Juanita Montoya, Casilda Baca, and Jeanette Beesley; and her uncle, Patrick Montoya; and many friends and family whom she loved.

A Rosary will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Española, NM, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January, 19, 2026. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery in Española.

Pallbearers are: Estevan Archuleta, Miguel Arias, Mike Arias, Josh Duran, Mike Sheppard, Earl Valdez, and Joaquin Valdez.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Douglas Salazar, Patrick Montoya, Gabriel Trujillo, Steve Griego, and Rick Padilla.