Mary R. Chato

Age 90 years old, resident of Abuquerque since 1948, died on September 10, 2013. Mary was born into Ta’baaha (Waters Edge) for Todach’ii’ni (Bitter Water) in Tohatchi, NM. She is survived by her children, Sister Theresa Chato, SBS of Bensalem, PA, Genevieve K. Chato and husband, Edward Seaton of Kayenta, AZ, Joseph E. Chato and wife, Connie Bell of Santa Fe, NM, Bernadette Charlie and husband, Robert Charlie of Fairbanks, AK, B. Renee Chato and partner, Rick Tapia of Santa Fe, NM, and Michaela Fong and husband, Steve Fong of Tesuque, NM. Mary is survived by grandchildren, Maunelita Beck of Grand Prairie, TX, Joshua Chato of Chicago, IL, Luis Chato of New York, NY, Jeremy Chato of Albuquerque, NM, Edward Chato-Seaton of Tucson, AZ, William Fong of Socorro, NM and Corey Fong of Tesuque, NM. Mary is also survived by sister, Fannie Curtis; nephew, Allen Begay; cousin-sister, Ella Roanhorse; cousin-brother, Peter Sage; sisters-in-law, Jeannette Thomas, Sallie Johnny, Sadie Hardy and Ella Begay and numerous cousins and extended family. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Edgar Chato; parents, Manygoats Begay and Barbara Manuelito Binaali and maternal grandparents, Bob and Jos-bah Manuelito. Mary was born and raised on the Navajo reservation in Tohatchi, NM. She lived in Albuquerque from 1948 until her death. Mary attended Fort Wingate Boarding School, St. Catherine Indian School in Santa Fe, NM and Sacred Heart Cathedral High School in Gallup, NM. In her younger years, she wove Navajo rugs, herded sheep and farmed. She was also a jockey at local horse races near her Tohatchi home. She was a stay at home mother who raised her six children in a Catholic household. She was a founding member of the Holy Ghost Parish in Albuquerque where all of her children attended grade school. After her children were older, Mary returned to work at Bell’s Trading and Jewelry in Albuquerque and worked for twenty years at the Albuquerque Indian Health Hospital as a medical records technician until her retirement. In 2003, Mary moved to Las Colinas Village and lived there for seven years until her death. Mary was proud of her Navajo heritage. She was a founding member of the Navajo Club of Albuquerque through which she coordinated the Navajo Nation’s Clothing Program for Navajos residing in Albuquerque. Every year she looked forward to the New Mexico State Fair and dedicated many years volunteering with her husband at the Navajo Club’s food booth in the Indian Village. Mary never lost her love for farming and through most of her adult life, she gardened. Her favorite crops were Indian maize, what she called Anasazi beans, green chile, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, Navajo tea and peaches. Mary won several first place ribbons and Best of Show at the New Mexico State Fair for her peaches and squash. Mary loved telling stories, reminiscing about her years growing up, and sewing. Celebration of Mary’s life will begin on Friday, September 13, 2013, 6:00 p.m. with visitation and rosary at FRENCH – Lomas. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 14, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 833 Arizona St. SE, Albuq, NM. Interment will take place on Monday, September 16, 2013, 9:45 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Pallbearers are Joshua Chato, Luis Chato, Jeremy Chato, Edward Chato-Seaton, William Fong and Corey Fong. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020 (215-244-9900) or a charity of your choice. The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice, the staff of Lovelace Downtown Hospital, the staff of Manzano del Sol Rehabilitation, and the staff of Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital.

Mary R. Chato

April 7, 1923 - September 10, 2013