Sue King Chavez

Sue King Chavez passed away on January 7, 2015. Sue, a lifelong resident of New Mexico was born on October 11, 1914 to George and Aurelia Roybal King. Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Leo G. Chavez; her brother, George; and six sisters, Ruby Chavez, Emma Chavez, Eloise Fernandez, Angie Silva, Rose Chavez and Sophie Romero. She was born in Watrous, NM, and spent her early years there and in Trinidad and Model, CO before moving to Albuquerque where she graduated Albuquerque HS. She married Leo in 1938. Leo joined the Army during WWII and Sue followed him to Fresno, CA where she contributed to the war effort by working on the B17 bomber production line as a “Rosie the Riveter.” Upon their return to Albuquerque, Sue worked for the NM State Employment Security commission retiring after 30 years of service as Asst. Chief of Budget and Finance. During her career, Sue helped many young people establish careers with the Commission. She was an active member of Pilot International, a professional women’s group dedicated to providing service to the community and the IAPES, an international association for public service employees. After retirement from public service, Sue was active in the Albuquerque Bridge Club and achieved her Life Master Certificate in 1986. She enjoyed oil painting and had a talent for NM landscapes. Sue was also a fantastic cook who specialized in Northern New Mexico delicacies. In her personal life, Sue was a generous, lively, quick witted woman who always had time for her family and friends. She was tolerant and open-minded and treated people with respect and understanding. She truly embraced differences. She loved her family and they loved her. She achieved her 100th birthday this past October and 65 of her relatives gathered to celebrate the occasion with her. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Rose Kirkpatrick and husband, John; and grandsons, John H. and wife Yvonne Tabet and Jason and friend Cynthia Jaramillo. Sue especially delighted in her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Jane, John Leo and Jackson. She is also survived by her sisters, Anna Mae Vigil and husband Ernest and Mary Glynn; and 31 nieces and nephews. Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 16, 2015, 9:30 a.m., at the Chapel at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE. The family wants to thank the dedicated caregivers from the Beehive Assisted Living Home, Bldg C in Albuquerque, the Hospice Compassus staff, the residents at the Beehive facility and their family members who helped make her life enjoyable and complete in her last years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Center, Homeless Shelter, 218 Iron SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or to the charity of your choice.

Sue King Chavez

October 11, 1914 - January 7, 2015